Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular fall flowers. Their beautiful, bright colors are the perfect way to liven up a garden that's gotten a little boring. And you'll be able to enjoy them for a long time, since they're not only perennials, but also annuals.
Planting, location and soil
The place you choose for your chrysanthemums should have strong sunlight for at least half of the day. The soil should be rich, preferably not clayey, and well-drained - this is the only mandatory requirement it must meet. Otherwise, the plant cannot develop and bloom in all its beauty.
As we have already said, the place must be bright. If it does not receive enough light, the chrysanthemum will be elongated, with thin branches and will bloom very late in the fall. Add some well-ripened organic fertilizer and, if possible, peat moss to the soil.
Watering
Chrysanthemums need a lot of water. Lack of it is the reason they don't bloom the following year, even though they are perennials.
Nutrition
Start fertilizing in April and stop feeding in September.
To encourage branching of chrysanthemums and the development of compact plants, it is very important to prune them in the spring, at the very beginning of their growth. If the new shoots have reached about 5 cm. in height, cut them in half. Repeat the procedure in the summer, before mid-July. This will ensure at least double the growth in the fall.
Winter care
As winter approaches, the soil of chrysanthemums should not remain dry. Leave the spent flowers in the garden and clean them up in the spring when the plants start to grow from below.
Mulch* the area after the first 1-2 frosts. Straw or pine needles will work. Remove the mulch in early spring.
* Mulch is a layer of organic material – peat, straw, bark, etc. – placed around the stems of perennial plants. It helps to retain moisture during the period when the plants do not need much water, to improve the structure of the soil and maintain its higher temperature during the cold winter months, as well as to suppress the growth of annual weeds.
When to plant them
Plant young plants in the spring, after all danger of sudden frosts has passed. Plants grown from root cuttings are most often used. Large plants purchased in pots can be planted at any time of the year.
Trimming
Chrysanthemums develop into a compact bush if pruned frequently. This is usually done in the summer before flowering begins.
Summer care
In the summer, water frequently and thoroughly - especially if the soil is light and sandy. To retain moisture for a longer period of time and to prevent the development of weeds, mulch the area.
Disease and pest control
Buy only healthy plants and plant them in a sunny location. Provide good air circulation to the chrysanthemums – they should not be too close together. If you notice a diseased plant, remove it immediately to prevent it from infecting the others and spray with a suitable herbicide.
Typical pests for chrysanthemums are powdery mildew, mites, and beetles.
If the flowers are not blooming, possible causes include insufficient sun or nutrients in the soil, lack of water, late pruning, or a pest.
Separation
You can remove chrysanthemums from the garden and divide them in the spring when new growth begins. Usually the stronger shoots are on the outside of the rhizome. Do not plant the young plants too deep. For attractive flowering, plant three young plants in a triangle shape.
Chrysanthemums combine very well with asters and ornamental kale.
