How to cultivate and prune chrysanthemums
Today, the editor introduces how to cultivate and prune chrysanthemums, as well as the knowledge of planting methods and management of chrysanthemum flowers and plants. Please refer to the detailed introduction below.
Chrysanthemum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Compositae family. It can not only be appreciated but also used as medicine, with effects such as dispelling wind and heat, clearing liver and improving eyesight, and anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. Regular consumption of chrysanthemum tea can help regulate myocardial function and lower cholesterol. The economic benefits of planting a certain area are considerable.
1 Requirements for the growing environment
Chrysanthemum prefers a warm climate and a sunny environment, can endure cold but not drought. It is a short-day plant that can bloom earlier under short-day conditions. Chrysanthemum germinates in spring, grows vegetatively in summer, blooms in autumn, and overwinters underground in winter. The optimal growth temperature is between 18°C and 21°C, with a maximum of 32°C and a minimum of 10°C.
2 Cultivation techniques
2.1 Site selection and soil preparation. Chrysanthemum is not strict about soil, but waterlogged and heavily saline-alkali land are not suitable for planting. After selecting the site, careful soil preparation is needed to ensure a good harvest. First, deeply till the soil 20 to 25 cm, and apply 2,000 to 2,500 kg of compost or decomposed manure per mu, mixed into the soil as a base fertilizer. Then level and rake the soil, create high ridges 120 to 130 cm wide, and ensure good drainage around the plot.
2.2 Propagation methods
2.2.1 Division propagation. After harvesting chrysanthemums in November, cut the stems and dig up the roots to plant in the field, apply soil manure, and keep warm for overwintering. In the second year, water with dung before the seedlings sprout in spring. When the seedlings are about 15 cm tall around the time of Guyu (Grain Rain), divide the seedlings and plant them immediately, watering the roots. The general transplanting time should not be later than mid-May.
2.2.2 Cutting propagation. Perform cuttings from April to May or June to August. Cut the branches in half, retain the upper part, cut into sections 20 cm long, leaving one leaf bud per section, and keep the top bud. Then treat with plant hormones before inserting, with a spacing of 6 to 7 cm, press firmly and water thoroughly. After 20 days, the roots will grow, and water with dung once after they survive.
2.3 Field management
2.3.1 Hoeing and weeding. Generally, 4 to 5 times of weeding are carried out before the chrysanthemum buds appear, preferably shallow rather than deep, usually hoeing once every two months, while mounding soil to prevent lodging.
2.3.2 Topdressing. Chrysanthemum likes fertilizer, and in addition to the base fertilizer, topdressing is also required during the growing period, usually 3 times. The first time is after transplanting and the seedlings turn green, applying 10 to 15 kg of urea per mu to promote seedling growth; the second time is when the plants branch out; the third time is during the bud formation period, with the amount of fertilizer not too large, similar to the first time.
2.3.3 Bud removal. Removing chrysanthemum buds can increase yield. In late May, when the seedlings are 25 cm tall, select a sunny day to remove the top 1 to 2 cm of the core. Then, remove the core every half month until mid-to-late July. Otherwise, too many branches may lead to poor nutrition, affecting the yield and quality of the chrysanthemum.
2.4 Disease and pest control
2.4.1 Root rot. The roots rot, presenting a dry or tangled hemp-like appearance, the leaves turn yellow and wither, usually occurring before and after flowering. Control methods: appropriate irrigation, drainage in waterlogging, and loosening the soil.
2.4.2 Leaf spot. Initially, the plant leaves show yellow and dark brown circular or oval spots of varying sizes, followed by small black spots in the center of the lesions, yellowing and drying of the basal leaves, and then the upper leaves and flower buds become infected. Control methods: avoid excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer, ensure good drainage and ventilation, and promptly remove diseased leaves. You can use 80% wettable zinc omethoate 500 times solution or 1% Bordeaux mixture for prevention, spraying 2 to 3 times a month before the disease and once every 7 days when the disease occurs.
2.4.3 Downy mildew. Caused by a flagellate fungus. It mainly affects the leaves, and when the air is humid, a powdery mildew layer appears on the back of the leaves, sometimes spreading to the leaf surface. In severe cases, all outer leaves turn yellow and die. Control methods: In the early stage of the disease, apply 60% wettable灭克powder 800 to 1000 times solution and 65% wettable zinc omethoate 500 times solution. During the rainy season,排水 should be timely. Avoid continuous cropping and implement a rotation with cereals for more than 3 years.
3 Harvesting and processing
Generally, harvesting is done from Frost to the beginning of Winter. White chrysanthemums (including Mo Chrysanthemum, Huai Chrysanthemum, Sichuan Chrysanthemum) are cut and bundled into small bunches, hung upside down to dry in the shade, then the flower heads are cut off, sorted, packaged, and marketed.
The above is a comprehensive introduction to how to cultivate and prune chrysanthemums and the planting methods and management of chrysanthemums. I hope it brings some knowledge about green plants to green plant enthusiasts.