When is the Best Time to Propagate Chrysanthemums
Are you curious about the best time to propagate chrysanthemums and the knowledge of green plants and flowers regarding the timing and methods for propagating chrysanthemums? The editor of this site will introduce the following information to everyone.
Chrysanthemums, also known as longevity flowers, golden flowers, yellow flowers, autumn flowers, and hermit flowers, are perennial herbaceous plants with fibrous roots in the chrysanthemum genus of the Asteraceae family. The cultivation history of chrysanthemums in China dates back over 3000 years. They are collectively known with plum blossoms, orchids, and bamboo as the "Four Gentlemen of Flowers." Chinese people have the custom of meeting to admire chrysanthemums and drink chrysanthemum wine on the Double Ninth Festival. This is mentioned in the poem "Visiting an Old Friend's House" by the Tang Dynasty poet Meng Haoran, which says, "When the Double Ninth Festival comes, I will come back to admire the chrysanthemums." Let's now learn about the planting season and maintenance methods for chrysanthemum seedlings.
I. Planting Season
Planting chrysanthemum seedlings is best done in spring from March to April, as the climate is warm and humid, which is the growing season for chrysanthemums, and can increase the survival rate of the seedlings and promote their growth and development. Alternatively, it can also be done in autumn from September to October.
II. Maintenance Methods
1. Potting Soil
Since chrysanthemum seedlings grow rapidly, they should be repotted 2 to 3 times before July, starting with small pots and then larger ones. The soil should be well-draining, loose, breathable, and fertile. A mixture of decayed leaf soil, sand, and cake fertilizer residue in a ratio of 6:3:1 can be used to prepare the potting soil.
2. Watering
In spring, the seedlings are young and should be watered sparingly. In summer, when the seedlings have grown larger and the climate is hot, water should be applied twice a day, morning and evening, to ensure sufficient water. In dry conditions, water should be sprayed on the chrysanthemums and their surroundings to increase humidity. Before flowering in autumn, water should be controlled to prevent the stems and leaves from growing too quickly, which could lead to small flowers. After flowering, the watering can be increased. In winter, as chrysanthemums grow slowly, their water demand is low, and watering should be reduced to keep the soil slightly dry.
3. Fertilizing
When the chrysanthemum is potted in July, a base fertilizer should be applied. After applying the base fertilizer, a nitrogen fertilizer should be applied every 10 days. Phosphorus or potassium fertilizer can be applied before the chrysanthemums flower in autumn, which will make the flowers more abundant and vibrant. Fertilizing should stop after flowering.
4. Pruning
When chrysanthemums grow to about 10 centimeters, it's time to start pinching back the top leaves, leaving only 4 to 5 leaves at the base. When the plant grows 5 to 6 new leaves, pinch back again, leaving 4 to 7 main branches. When the plant grows a lot of new leaves again, the last pinching should be done. During this pinching, the plant is shaped by removing diseased, vigorous, and dense branches, leaving only 3 to 5 branches. In September, when flower buds appear, only one bud should be left on each branch, and the rest should be cut off.
The above information provides the specific details about the best time to propagate chrysanthemums and the timing and methods for propagating chrysanthemums. If it helps you, remember to visit the website often!