Introduction to Chrysanthemums
As a representative of traditional Chinese famous flowers, chrysanthemums have become the main stars of autumn gardens with their diverse flower shapes and rich cultural connotations. This article delves into the botanical characteristics, systematically elaborating on the classification rules of varieties and flowering time features.
Morphological Characteristics of Compositae Plants
Plant Structure Characteristics
Stalks 60-150cm tall with fine pubescence, ovate to lanceolate leaves alternate, with sawtooth or deeply lobed margins. Flower diameters range from 3-30cm, including 18 flower shapes such as single-petaled, double-petaled, and pompon, covering seven major color systems including orange, purple, red, and pink.
Growth Cycle Habits
Environmental Adaptability
As a short-day plant, it requires more than 6 hours of sunlight per day and an optimal temperature range of 18-25°C. Cold resistance can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C, roots are drought-resistant and dislike waterlogging, with a pH of 6.2-6.7 in sandy loam soil being most conducive to growth. Flower colors become more vibrant when the day-night temperature difference is greater than 8°C.
Flowering Regulation System
Natural Flowering Patterns
Divided into three major categories based on flowering period: summer chrysanthemums (June-August), autumn chrysanthemums (September-November), and winter chrysanthemums (December-January). Autumn chrysanthemums account for 67%, with the peak blooming period in the first ten days of October.
Artificial Intervention Techniques
Delaying budding by supplemental lighting: applying shading from 5 pm to 8 am daily can postpone the flowering period by 15-30 days. Temperature control at 13-17°C can extend the flowering period of a single flower by 5-7 days.
Modern Cultivation Management
Substrate Formula Standards
Decayed leaf soil: vermiculite: perlite mixed in a ratio of 5:3:2, with bone meal added as a base fertilizer at 200g/m³. Every 10 days after planting, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution during the budding stage.
Key Points for Disease Control
During the high-incidence period of black spot disease, alternate weekly sprays of mancozeb and tebuconazole. Aphid control is achieved using a combination of yellow boards and matrine-based biological preparations.
From courtyard ornamental to cut flower production, chrysanthemum cultivation has formed a complete industry chain. Mastering its biological properties, combined with modern cultivation techniques, can achieve annual flowering regulation, allowing this elegance of autumn to bloom continuously.