Snake-eye Chrysanthemum Cultivation Methods
Snake-eye chrysanthemum, with its unique snake eye pattern and brilliant yellow sea of flowers, has become a highly sought-after ornamental plant in the horticultural world. To make this floral spirit bloom with vibrant colors in your own courtyard, mastering scientific cultivation methods is crucial. This article will systematically analyze the secrets of snake-eye chrysanthemum cultivation, from environmental control to pest and disease prevention.
Ⅰ. Three Elements of Environmental Control
Temperature and Light Management
Snake-eye chrysanthemum is a typical temperate plant, with the optimal growth temperature being 20-28℃. In late spring and early summer, it is necessary to set up a sunshade net to keep the temperature below 30℃; before the arrival of winter cold currents, it is recommended to move it into a sunroom for wintering. Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and use a sun protection net with 50% shading rate in summer to effectively prevent leaf burn.
Water Management Essentials
Adopt the 'dry-wet' watering principle, maintaining soil moisture at 60%-70%. It is recommended to use a smart pot with a humidity meter, and water immediately when the surface soil turns white. Combine morning and evening foliar spraying (humidity 65%-75%), but avoid direct spraying on the flowers during the blooming period.
Ⅱ. Nutrition and Propagation Techniques
Scientific Fertilization Plan
Apply diluted 2000 times flowering type water-soluble fertilizer every 7 days during the growing period, and increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the bud formation stage. It is recommended to use decomposed sheep manure organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer, combined with seaweed extracts and other biological stimulants, which can increase flower saturation by 30%.
Double-season Sowing Techniques
Snake-eye Chrysanthemum Cultivation Methods
Both spring and autumn are suitable for sowing, with flowers blooming 60 days after sowing in March. Soak the seeds in 25℃ warm water for 12 hours, using a matrix of peat soil: perlite = 3:1, with a sowing depth of 0.5cm. Transplant seedlings with soil when they reach 10cm high, maintaining a spacing of 25cm to ensure ventilation.
Ⅲ. Shaping and Disease Prevention
Double Pinching Shaping Method
Perform the first pinching 2 weeks after planting, retaining the base 4 true leaves; after 25 days, perform the second pinching, combined with the use of dwarfing agents to control plant height to about 40cm. Timely remove old and diseased leaves to maintain plant ventilation.
(T-J) Disease Prevention and Control System
Before the rainy season arrives, alternately spray mancozeb and difenoconazole monthly. Immediately remove diseased leaves and disinfect tools with 75% alcohol. Hang yellow sticky traps during the high incidence of aphids, and use imidacloprid for pest control when the pest density is high.
Mastering these cultivation tips will allow you to create a stunning snake-eye chrysanthemum garden. This plant, symbolizing 'sincere joy', not only decorates the courtyard but is also suitable for making everlasting flower gifts due to its pruning tolerance. Regularly observe the plant's condition and adjust the cultivation strategy in a timely manner to let this golden joy accompany you for a long time.