How to Prune Chrysanthemums in Spring
Core Steps of Spring Pruning for Chrysanthemums
Management Techniques for Axillary Buds
When new axillary buds are a嫩 green color, they should be dealt with immediately, retaining 3-4 strong buds at the top of the main stem, and precisely removing excess lateral buds with a sterilized pointed tweezer. Special attention should be paid to the hidden buds at the junction of leaf axils to avoid omissions that lead to nutrient diversion. For multi-head chrysanthemum varieties, 5-6 buds can be retained as appropriate to form a lush canopy.
Leaf Pruning Standards
A layered pruning method should be adopted: remove yellowed old leaves from the bottom, thin out intersecting branches in the middle, and control the growth of long branches at the top. Retain robust branches with even leaf spacing and pinch the tips of branches longer than 25cm. Special attention should be paid to removing leaves with white powdery substance indicating downy mildew, and immediately spray with carbendazim solution after cutting.
Standard Operating Procedures for Chrysanthemum Pruning
Control of Pruning Intensity
Single pruning should not exceed 30% of the total leaf amount, retaining at least 6 functional leaves. For weak seedlings, a progressive pruning method should be used, completed in 2-3 stages. Cut at a 45° angle, 0.5cm away from the bud point, to avoid flat cuts that can cause waterlogging and rot.
Requirements for Tool Sterilization
Prepare two sets of pruning shears for alternate use, wiping the blade with an alcohol swab before each use. After pruning diseased plants, the tools must be soaked in 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes to prevent the spread of pathogens through sap.
Key Points for Maintenance After Pruning
Avoid spraying water on the leaves within 3 days after pruning and maintain good ventilation in the environment. Start applying a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to 1500 times) 5 days later, and rotate the pot 45° weekly to ensure even exposure to light. When new branches reach 10cm, perform a second pinching to promote bud differentiation.
Scientific pruning is key to the successful cultivation of chrysanthemums. By controlling the plant shape and adjusting nutrients, the blooming amount of a single plant can be increased by over 40%. It is recommended to establish a pruning record based on the characteristics of the variety, noting the time, position, and plant response for each pruning, gradually mastering a personalized maintenance plan, making spring pruning truly the prelude to the blooming of chrysanthemums.