Chrysanthemum is one of the typical autumn flowers and can be grown both indoors and outdoors, in the ground or in a pot. In this post, we will see the cultivation of potted chrysanthemums. Learn all about how to grow chrysanthemum.
Originally from Asia and Northeast Europe, its cultivation has spread throughout the world and is one of the benchmarks in any garden. It is the most famous flower in the world after roses and we can find them in a huge variety of sizes and colors.
They are perfect for patios, terraces, and balconies. They resist cold and even frost well, but some varieties more than others.
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How to Grow Chrysanthemum from Seed
There are two ways to grow this plant. The appropriate substrate is one that is well-drained and has high organic matter. Use a common potting soil and add 30% perlite. The seeds should be sown in an indoor place 2 months before the last spring frost.
Chrysanthemum Seeds:
Spread two or three seeds in each pot, over the top of the soil. Press the seeds lightly with your fingers so that they are in contact with the compost, but exposed on the surface, since they require light to germinate.
Cover the pots with clear plastic wrap; This sheet allows you to retain the humidity in the compost during germination. Place the pots in a warm area, between 65-70 °F (18-21 °C) and plenty of light to germinate the flowers.
When the first sprouts start to appear, remove the plastic wrap. Chrysanthemums generally germinate two weeks after sowing.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums from Cuttings:
To propagate you must cut pieces of branches of 2-4″ (5-10 cm) and plant them into a container. Place the container in the shade. Leave a space of at least 1.2″ (3 cm) between each planted cutting, to facilitate the separation of seedlings later. After 30 days they will have already rooted and you can transplant them to their final place. You can facilitate the propagation if you instantly dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder.
Chrysanthemum Care
Watering with a liquid fertilizer every 15 days. In the vegetative growth period (foliage and not flower) use a fertilizer of 20-10-20 (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium), for the flowering period using one of 10-20-20 or as close to these values as you can find.
Place the plant in a place without wind neither full sun. It prefers the morning sun to the afternoon sun. The ideal temperature range for Chrysanthemum is 53-64 °F (12-18 °C).
We must remove withered flowers, cut dead branches and dry or unhealthy-looking leaves.
The plant needs to be watered continuously because the substrate needs to be always moistened to prevent the flowers from wilting.
