Chrysanthemums are common ornamental plants, often seen in the autumn. To help chrysanthemums grow healthier and more beautiful, the choice of fertilizer is very important. However, different varieties of chrysanthemums have different fertilizer needs. This article will reveal the secret to chrysanthemums' love for fertilizer, including the principles of fertilizer selection and specific operational steps, to help everyone grow chrysanthemums better.
I. Nutritional Requirements for Chrysanthemum Growth
During the growth process, chrysanthemums need to absorb a large amount of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Among these, nitrogen is a vital element for promoting leaf growth and chlorophyll synthesis; phosphorus is essential for root development and bud formation; and potassium is crucial for flowering and enhancing stress resistance.
II. Principles of Chrysanthemum Fertilization
1. Pay attention to the type and ratio of fertilizers. Generally, it is recommended to use compound fertilizers or organic fertilizers, and to use them in a reasonable ratio according to the needs of different chrysanthemums.
2. Fertilize on a regular schedule and in appropriate amounts. Generally, spring and autumn are critical periods for chrysanthemum growth. During this time, fertilize moderately, once or twice a month. In summer, reduce fertilization to avoid excessive growth, which can affect the flowering period and quality.
3. Pay attention to the method of fertilizer application. It is recommended to apply fertilizer by broadcasting or spreading, and to mix it thoroughly into the soil to ensure that the chrysanthemums can fully absorb the nutrients.
III. Common Types of Fertilizers for Chrysanthemums
1. Compound fertilizer. Compound fertilizer is generally a chemical fertilizer with balanced proportions of the three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It has a comprehensive effect and is easily absorbed and utilized. It is recommended to use compound fertilizers such as 15-15-15 or 12-12-17.
2. Organic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is an organic substance formed from composted animal and plant residues, agricultural waste, etc. It is rich in nutrients and microorganisms. It is recommended to use well-rotted organic fertilizers such as cow manure or chicken manure.
3. Monopotassium phosphate. Monopotassium phosphate is a potassium fertilizer rich in potassium, which can promote chrysanthemum flowering and enhance stress resistance. It is recommended to be used after flower buds have formed.
IV. Specific Steps for Fertilizing Chrysanthemums
1. Apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer in spring and autumn. Each application should be controlled to about 2-3 grams per plant to avoid over-fertilization.
2. Spread the fertilizer evenly on the soil surface around the chrysanthemums. Do not apply it directly to the roots to avoid burning them.
3. Water the soil thoroughly to help the fertilizer penetrate into the soil and improve the chrysanthemums' absorption capacity.
4. Avoid fertilizing in hot, dry, or intensely sunny weather to prevent the fertilizer from volatilizing or burning the plants.
V. How to Determine if Chrysanthemums Need Fertilizer
1. Observe the leaf color. If the leaves are yellow or turning yellow, it indicates a lack of nitrogen, and nitrogen fertilizer should be applied promptly.
2. Observe the flower buds and flowering period. If the flower buds develop slowly or the flowering period is short, it indicates a lack of phosphorus, and phosphorus fertilizer should be applied promptly.
3. Observe the density of the plant. If the plant is unhealthy or not dense enough, it indicates a lack of potassium, and potassium fertilizer should be applied promptly.
VI. Common Mistakes in Fertilizing Chrysanthemums
1. Over-fertilization. Excessive fertilization can cause problems such as excessive growth, insufficient lushness, and a shortened flowering period.
2. Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers. Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers can lead to a decline in soil quality and reduced microbial activity. It is important to use a reasonable combination of organic and chemical fertilizers.
VII. Taboos in Fertilizing Chrysanthemums
1. Applying fertilizers containing chlorine. Fertilizers containing chlorine can easily harm chrysanthemums and should be avoided as much as possible.
2. Using untreated fresh animal manure. Fresh animal manure contains a high amount of ammonia and bactericides, which can cause root burn in chrysanthemums.
VIII. Precautions for Fertilizing Chrysanthemums
1. Chrysanthemums love light but cannot tolerate direct scorching sun. It is best to fertilize in the morning or evening, avoiding periods of intense sunlight.
2. Loosen the soil before fertilizing to facilitate the penetration of the fertilizer and absorption by the plant.
3. When applying chemical and organic fertilizers, pay attention to maintaining soil moisture to avoid causing water stress to the plants.
IX. How to Store and Preserve Fertilizer
1. Store fertilizer in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight or humid environments.
2. Try to avoid mixing different types of fertilizers to prevent affecting the nutrient ratio and effectiveness.
X. The Best Time to Apply Fertilizer
1. Spring and autumn are critical periods for chrysanthemum growth, so an appropriate amount of fertilizer should be applied at this time. The application time is generally in April and September.
2. Summer temperatures are higher, chrysanthemums grow faster, but the flowering period is shorter. Therefore, the frequency and amount of fertilizer should be appropriately reduced in summer.
XI. Effects and Precautions of Fertilizing Chrysanthemums
1. Appropriate fertilization can promote chrysanthemum growth and flowering, improving the flowering period and quality.
2. Excessive fertilization can lead to problems such as insufficient lushness, a short flowering period, and pale flower colors, affecting the ornamental effect.
XII. Types of Fertilizers and Application Methods
1. Compound fertilizer: 15-15-15, 12-12-17
2. Organic fertilizer: Well-rotted cow manure, chicken manure, etc.
3. Monopotassium phosphate: Use after flower buds have formed
IV. Application method of fertilizer: Apply an appropriate amount on the soil surface around the chrysanthemums and mix it thoroughly into the soil.
XIII. Recommendations for Chrysanthemum Fertilizer Selection
1. Choose different types of fertilizers according to the different growth stages and variety characteristics of chrysanthemums.
2. Pay attention to the combination of fertilizer ratios and application amounts to avoid over-application or under-application.
3. It is recommended to use a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers to ensure soil quality and healthy plant growth.
XIV. Precautions for Fertilizer Application
1. Choose the appropriate type of fertilizer and application method according to the different growth stages and needs of chrysanthemums.
2. Pay attention to the storage environment and usage time of the fertilizer to avoid waste from expiration or spoilage.
XV.
Chrysanthemums are common ornamental plants. Appropriate fertilization can promote their growth and flowering, improving the flowering period and quality. However, different varieties of chrysanthemums have different fertilizer needs, so it is important to choose the right fertilizer and application method. At the same time, attention should be paid to the storage environment and usage time of the fertilizer to avoid waste from expiration or spoilage.