Propagating Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or plant division. Some chrysanthemum hybrids are patented and cannot be propagated without permission. This is usually indicated on the plant label.

Chrysanthemums actually like to be divided – the new clumps grow better than old, crowded ones. After the last spring frost when shoots are 1”- 3” tall, dig them up and carefully pull or cut apart. Throw away any half-dead or overly woody parts, and plant only the healthy divisions. Add a source of phosphorus to the planting hole, along with organic matter. Ideally, divide chrysanthemums every 3-5 years and relocate to reduce disease.

To propagate from cuttings, snip off a piece about 4”- 6” long, and remove the leaves on the bottom half. Dip in rooting hormone and insert about 1” into vermiculite, sand, or sphagnum moss. Create your own mini-greenhouse using a wire frame and plastic wrap, and place the plants under bright light (but not sunlight) until rooted.

To grow from seed, sow at least 2 months before first frost, or start indoors over the winter. The planting medium should be kept at 70-75 degrees, and seeds should germinate in 1-3 weeks.

Let Us Know More About Chrysanthemums

The Chrysanthemum as such, Spain is closely associated with the feast of All Saints' Day. However, this flower is consumed throughout the year under the name of a flower margaritas happy, beautiful and economical.

Botanically, the genus Chrysanthemum belongs to the family Asteraceae and comprises one of the type of the oldest cultivated flowers, both cut flowers as a potted ornamental plant. Its main attraction is its ornamental flowers and these really are an inflorescence chapter. There are different types of sections grown commercially, but in general, this inflorescence is composed of two types of flowers: the female located in the radial area of the chapter and which correspond to the outer row on the flowers, and hermaphroditic located the concentric zone ... which obviously correspond to the plants. The floral receptacle or chapter is flat or convex shape and is surrounded by its attractive bracts surround, popularly mistaken as petals.

The chrysanthemum, is a flower full of symbolism in many countries. So, Japan is considered the national flower and is still used in ceremonies and the flower is the symbol of long life (contrary to what many people think, the sphere in the Japanese flag does not represent the rising sun but the heart of one stripped of its petals chrysanthemum), China is a symbol of wisdom, as in many others such as honesty and the United States is usually perceived as positive and meaning of good feeling.

According to documentation, the Chrysanthemum was introduced in Europe through France in the late eighteenth century and the first crop of this plant in Spain coincides with the beginning in the nineteenth century. Currently, professional florists grow complex hybrids of this plant and most species that have created modern cultivars originate in China: Chrysanthemum indicum, Chrysanthemum morifolium and Chrysanthemum x hortorum. Note that potted chrysanthemum is technically called Dedranthema.

Cut flowers are marketed both in bottles or forming only the Chrysanthemum flower arrangements with other flowers and ornamental green and in the form of potted plant, its most popular size of 11-15 cm in diameter throughout the year and 14-20 inch models are cultivated on time ahead of the feast of All Saints' Day. Cut flowers is distributed primarily by physical or online florists and instead, the form of potted plant, do it for garden centers and supermarkets.

The Common Knowledge About Chrysanthemum Care And Disease Control

The chrysanthemum seems to have fallen out of fashion in modern gardens. One reason why this has happened is that chrysanthemums are perceived as too much hard work or troublesome. But there is less care involved than you may think and they offer many positive attributes to gardens. They are great plants to choose for this time of year, providing bold splashes of colour in the garden in late summer and autumn.

Some varieties, such as florists' chrysanthemum, produce large impressive flower heads on strong, upright stems, with colours that range from pure white, through every shade of pink, burgundy, bronze and mauve to bright lime green.

The forms of these pretty flowers are even more diverse than the colours, with more than 10 classifications, including: single and semi-double; regular, irregular and intermediate incurved; quill; spoon; pompon; reflexed; anemone; spider; decorative; and brush or thistle. The plant itself has a sturdy, upright habit and attractive lobed, aromatic leaves. The flowers are long-lasting cut flowers that can easily look good for up to three weeks in a vase. To get the best from a bunch, change the water regularly and re-cut stems every few days.

Chrysanthemums can be grown in the ground almost anywhere – at the front of shrubberies, in perennial borders or under roses, to name just a few. Some dwarf forms look great in rock gardens. Chrysanthemums grow well in pots and even indoors with bright light.

Most people acquire a chrysanthemum when they are given a potted plant on Mother's Day. In a pot, a chrysanthemum plant lasts for a few weeks inside. Keep it in a brightly lit position and water when dry. Pick off any dead flowers or discoloured leaves. When flowering has finished, take it outside, cut it back to 15cm and plant it out in your garden.

When choosing a spot, bear in mind that potted chrysanthemums may have been treated with a growth regulator to keep them dwarf and compact, so they are likely to grow much taller in the ground. Even though they can be grown from seed, most chrysanthemums are propagated by cutting or by dividing clumps of an existing plant.

Chrysanthemums grow best in an open, sunny position, although they can tolerate partial shade, especially if it provides protection from afternoon sun. They tend to prefer well-drained soil that has been improved with the addition of compost and other organic matter. To perform well, they also must be fed regularly with a liquid fertiliser every four to six weeks. At planting, add some organic, slow-release fertiliser such as pelletised chicken manure.

Although they can be grown in the subtropics, chrysanthemums prefer a cool to mild climate and a spot where they are protected from wind. If you are growing them specifically to use for cut flowers, space them 60–75cm apart.

Chrysanthemums can be attacked by a range of pests and diseases, but they are not hard to manage. Earwigs, snails and black aphids are all partial to the flower and need regular control. If you spot caterpillars, such as the small green loopers, spray with a biological insecticide such as Dipel or Success.

Although you can spray for leaf nematode, a problem that causes the lower leaves to brown and die, picking off and disposing of damaged leaves at the first indication of the disease is usually sufficient to stop it spreading.

Treat mildew with an organic-based fungicide, such as wettable sulfur or eco-rose. If mildew proves simply to be an indication of poor air circulation, improving this prevents it reoccurring.

Brown rust may affect leaves so pick these off by hand if the infestation is bad, disposing of them in the rubbish bin. White rust is more troubling and it is best to pull out the whole plant and dispose of it also in the garbage.