Chrysanthemum Propagation Methods
As one of China's top ten famous flowers, chrysanthemum is deeply favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its diverse flower shapes and tenacious vitality. Mastering the correct propagation methods is the foundation for cultivating healthy plants. This article will introduce five practical techniques to teach you how to make chrysanthemum thrive through different methods.
Five Golden Rules of Chrysanthemum Propagation
Seeding to Foster New Life
From after the Frost Descending to before the Winter Solstice (October to December), collect the brown, plump seeds when the chrysanthemum flower receptacles naturally dry. It is recommended to use a 3:1 ratio of humus soil and perlite as the substrate. Soaking the seeds in 40°C warm water for 2 hours before sowing can increase the germination rate by 30%. Cover the soil to the point where the seeds are not visible and keep the soil slightly moist; seedlings should emerge from the soil in about 15 days.
Fast Propagation Technique by Cuttings
Select semi-woody top branches, retaining 3-4 new tender leaves. Make a 45-degree diagonal cut 0.5 cm away from the leaf node, dip the cut end in rooting powder containing indole butyric acid, and then insert it into the vermiculite substrate. Key technique: build a mini greenhouse to maintain 85% humidity, spray water twice a day in the morning and evening, and usually, white new roots can be seen in 14-18 days.
New Technique for Rooting by Layering
For beautifully shaped mother plants, select robust lateral branches 15-20 cm from the ground and perform a girdling treatment. After stripping 1 cm of epidermis, wrap wet peat moss around it and secure it with plastic wrap to create a root-promoting environment. This method is especially suitable for creating cliff-style potted landscapes, with a survival rate of up to 95% after 60 days of separation and transplantation.
Renewal and Revitalization Method by Division
Combine the potting operation around Qingming Festival ( Tomb Sweeping Day) with the division of plants that are over three years old. Cut along the natural branching with a sterilized knife, keeping 2-3 plump buds in each clump. Key point to note: immediately apply wood ash to the cut surface after division, place it in a well-ventilated area with scattered light for 3 days before normal management, which can effectively prevent fungal infection.
Art of Grafting for Shaping
Using Artemisia annua as the rootstock can achieve the ornamental effect of "multi-colors in one plant." Around Qingming Festival, use the cleft grafting method to insert the chrysanthemum scion, cut into a wedge shape, into the rootstock's cut surface, then secure it with grafting clips and cover with a plastic bag to keep moisture. Experience shows that maintaining a room temperature of 25°C allows the graft union to heal within 7 days, with a success rate as high as 90%.
Whether it's the anticipation of seeding or the immediate sense of accomplishment from cuttings, chrysanthemum propagation always brings unique joy. Mastering the three core elements of temperature and humidity control, disinfection protection, and timing, combined with detailed operational steps illustrated in pictures and text, even gardening beginners can easily achieve a survival rate of over 90%. It is recommended to choose the appropriate method based on the cultivation goal, as seeding is suitable for variety improvement, cuttings are good for rapid propagation, and grafting can create unique ornamental effects.