When is the Best Time to Prune Chrysanthemums for Optimal Growth
Core Introduction: This article provides insights into the best time to prune chrysanthemums for optimal growth, as well as detailed information on the timing and methods of chrysanthemum cutting and propagation in flower planting. Corrections are welcome if there are any mistakes!
Chrysanthemums are one of the Four Gentlemen of Flowers and have been praised by many scholars and literary figures throughout history. It is delightful to have a beautiful pot of chrysanthemums at home. To maintain a well-grown chrysanthemum plant, regular pruning is essential. The pruning method of chrysanthemums is quite simple; in addition to pinching the growing tip before flowering, it is necessary to remove excess buds and pinch off axillary buds, and after flowering, cut the flower stems from the base to ensure they can survive the winter.
Ⅰ. Pruning Methods for Chrysanthemums
1. Pinch the Growing Tip
During the growing period, it is crucial to pinch the growing tip of chrysanthemum plants. This can actually be done when the plant is over 10 centimeters tall. Use scissors to cut off the upward-growing shoots to prevent the plant from becoming too tall. Shorter, bushy chrysanthemums are more attractive. When pruning, leave 4 to 5 leaves and cut off the rest.
Besides pinching the growing tip after the plant exceeds 10 centimeters to prevent upward growth, it is also necessary to do so in August every year, at which time the top buds of the side branches are removed. This encourages more side branches and makes the potted chrysanthemum more lush. Additionally, before the start of autumn every year, pinch the growing tips to ensure the plant has enough nutrients for the flower buds.
2. Pinch Off Axillary Buds
Many flower enthusiasts are unaware of the pruning methods for chrysanthemums. Pinching off axillary buds is also very important. During the vigorous growth stage, chrysanthemum plants produce many small axillary buds, which can lead to a messy appearance with chaotic side branches. These buds should be pinched off promptly with fingers, not with scissors.
3. Prune Flower Buds
During the bud formation stage, many side buds grow on the small branches at the top of the flower stems. These side buds should be removed with scissors to ensure that only one flower bud remains at the top of each stem. Alternatively, a backup bud can be left, but once the top bud starts to show color, the backup bud can be cut off.
4. Cut Flower Stems After Flowering
When is the Best Time to Prune Chrysanthemums for Optimal Growth
There are many steps to pruning chrysanthemums before flowering, but even after flowering, it is necessary to cut off the wilted flower stems from the base (or 2 centimeters above the soil, which does not affect the plant). Leaving wilted stems makes the plant look unsightly. Also, the small seedlings growing at the base do not need to be cut and can safely survive the winter.
Ⅱ. Precautions for Pruning Chrysanthemums
1. Pruning Time
The pruning time for chrysanthemums is quite extensive. Spring is a good time to prune side branches and pinch the growing tips. In summer, due to the hot weather, pruning can lead to dehydration, so it should be minimized. In autumn, expose the new growth to promote bud formation, pinch off axillary buds, and this is the best time to prune potted chrysanthemums. In winter, except for cutting off the wilted flower stems, no further pruning should be done to ensure the plant can survive the winter.
2. Pruning Tools
It is best to use professional pruning shears for pruning chrysanthemums. Professional shears are sharp and do not cause additional wounds to the plant, which helps with recovery. However, be sure to disinfect the shears before pruning. Do not use rusty shears to avoid infecting the plant with bacteria or diseases.
3. Pruning Environment