Did you know that the timing of pruning chrysanthemums is very important? Generally, the best pruning time is divided into the following stages:
1. Seedling Stage: When the chrysanthemum seedling grows to about 10 cm, you should start the first pinching. Pinching is to control the plant height, making it grow shorter and sturdier. Remember to leave 4-5 leaves at the bottom and cut off all the others.
2. Growth Stage: During the growth of chrysanthemums, regularly trim dense, thin, and crossing branches and leaves to keep the plant ventilated and well-lit, allowing nutrients to be better supplied to healthy branches and leaves.
3. Bud Stage: After the chrysanthemums form buds, remove the side buds on the small branches under the top bud, leaving only the top bud. This way, the flowers can bloom larger and more beautifully. Remember to keep a备用 bud (spare bud) just in case.
4. After Flowering: After the chrysanthemum flowers have withered, promptly cut off the spent flowers to concentrate nutrients for the unopened flowers. After the flowering period is over, cut off all the old, withered stems above the ground to help the plant overwinter safely.
II. Pruning Chrysanthemums, Methods Must Be Appropriate
1. Pinching: Use scissors to cut off the upward-growing shoot tips, leaving 4-5 leaves and cutting off the rest. Pinching should be done in August and before the Start of Autumn (Liqiu) each year to promote a lush plant.
2. Pinching off Axillary Buds: During the strong seedling stage, chrysanthemums will grow many small axillary buds. Pinch them off in time to avoid a messy plant.
3. Pruning Buds: During the bud stage, remove the side buds on the small branches under the top bud, leaving only the top bud.
4. Cutting Flower Stems After Flowering: Cut off the branches that have flowered at the base, or cut them 2 cm above the soil.
III. Pruning Chrysanthemums, Precautions
1. Pruning Tools: When pruning chrysanthemums, use sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
2. Pruning Time: It is best to prune on sunny days, and avoid operating on cloudy, rainy, or humid days.
3. Pruning Intensity: Prune moderately to avoid excessive pruning leading to poor plant growth.
4. Post-Pruning Care: After pruning, water the chrysanthemums in time to replenish nutrients.
IV. Pruning Chrysanthemums, Noticeable Effects
1. Short and Sturdy Plant: By pinching, control the plant height to make the chrysanthemums grow shorter and sturdier.
2. Beautiful Flowers: By trimming messy branches and leaves, the flowers become more concentrated and beautiful.
3. Vigorous Growth: After pruning, nutrients are concentrated for healthy branches and leaves, and the plant grows more vigorously.
4. Smooth Overwintering: After flowering, cutting off old, withered stems helps the plant overwinter safely.
Dear flower friends, once you've mastered these pruning techniques, your little chrysanthemum will surely become more and more beautiful! Come and give it a try, and fill your home with the fragrance of flowers!