Chrysanthemums are perennial flowers that bloom when the days are short and the nights are longer, i.e. during the autumn of the Northern Hemisphere. Chrysanthemums produce abundant blooms, in different shapes and colors, which last for several weeks. Thanks to a dense corolla, they create a floral carpet perfect for decorating gardens, suggestive corners and large vases. Read on to learn how to plant tulips and take care of them with due care.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing for Planting
Step 1. Plan to plant chrysanthemums in the spring
You will find them in any nursery since early fall, but the best time to plant them is spring, so they have time to acclimatize in the soil and take strong roots to blossom in the fall.
- In any case, it is possible to buy them and plant them in the fall, when they are already in bloom, but they will use all the energy for flowering rather than for the roots and, most likely, will not survive the winter.
- Start planting chrysanthemums right after the last frost, when the ground has completely thawed.
- If you live in an area with mild winters, chrysanthemums may survive even if you plant them in the fall.
Step 2. Decide on the variety to plant
There are so many different types of chrysanthemums, so it can be difficult to decide which one to plant. Just find the shape and color you prefer (they exist in all shades, except for blue), but it wouldn't hurt to know a little more:
- Garden chrysanthemums are very resistant and, with due care, they can survive even for several years if they are planted in the right season. They produce underground stolons that help the plant stay alive during the winter, blooming again in the following year.
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Florist chrysanthemums are less hardy. Generally they are grown in pots or cultivated only to obtain a flowering, then they are eliminated when the flower fades. They exist in an incredible variety of shapes and colors, but unfortunately they do not survive the winter, regardless of the care received. Among them we find:
- Pompom chrysanthemums, one of the most common varieties with a ball-like shape.
- The anemone flower chrysanthemums that have one or two rows of petals around the central part.
- Daisy chrysanthemums that feature a row around the center, just like daisies.
- Spider chrysanthemums which are not very common and have long, drooping petals.
Plant Mums Step 3 Step 3. Decide where to plant the chrysanthemums
They are hardy plants, but they grow best in full sun. If you can't find a spot that enjoys the sun all day, a half-day area with light may also work.
- Chrysanthemums can be planted directly in the ground but also in pots, as long as the soil has good drainage.
- When choosing the area, remember that chrysanthemums only bloom in the fall for a few weeks. During the winter they are dry and brownish, while in the spring and summer they are ordinary and completely green plants. For this reason, it is advisable to place them near plants that bloom during the spring and summer, so when these flowers fall, the chrysanthemums will take their place to color the garden.
- Chrysanthemums can be planted in groups to create beautiful colorful patterns. Choose a shade to liven up a corner of the garden, alternating the colors of the chrysanthemums, or create a rainbow of flowers.
- If you are planting garden chrysanthemums, you need to choose the area wisely, in order to keep them alive. If you plant the florists' chrysanthemums instead, it won't matter much, because you will eliminate them immediately after flowering.
Method 2 of 3: Planting Chrysanthemums
Plant Mums Step 4 Step 1. Work the soil and add compost
Use a rake to loosen the soil and add the compost to a depth of about 20 centimeters.
- If the soil is very clayey, you need to use more compost, making sure the earth is well loosened, otherwise the chrysanthemums will not be able to take root.
- If you plant them in pots, mix the soil with the compost.
Plant Mums Step 5 Step 2. Dig holes for the chrysanthemums
Remove the plastic they are wrapped in and arrange them where you want to plant them. The holes need to be 2.5 centimeters deeper than the roots which should measure around 20 or 25 centimeters, although the size can vary based on the variety of the plant.
- Florist chrysanthemums generally do not grow very large and retain the size they were at the time of purchase. You can plant them close enough together, until the leaves touch, but make sure the roots are spaced enough so that each flower can feed without harming the others.
- Garden chrysanthemums grow a lot over the years, so remember to plant them with plenty of space between them.
- Loosen the roots and gently spread them out before planting the flower. The top of the sod must line up with the soil surface.
Plant Mums Step 6 Step 3. Plant the chrysanthemums
Insert the root ball into the holes, add the compost mixed soil on the roots and press lightly. If you are potting, place the root ball on top of a layer of soil, then cover it with more soil. Squeeze the soil slightly to accommodate the plant.
Method 3 of 3: Growing Chrysanthemums
Plant Mums Step 7 Step 1. Water the newly planted chrysanthemums well
Don't drown them, but don't let them wither either.
- Water in the morning, so the earth will dry out during the day and there will be no damp environment that can promote the onset of diseases and fungi.
- Avoid watering at the hottest time of the day when the sun is high in the sky.
Plant Mums Step 8 Step 2. Fertilize the chrysanthemums
If you planted them in the spring, they should be fertilized once a month until they bloom in the fall. Florist chrysanthemums planted in autumn, on the other hand, do not need fertilization.
Plant Mums Step 9 Step 3. Prune the chrysanthemums
Cut them halfway up in the spring as soon as they begin to grow. It will serve to strengthen the plant and give the flower a nice rounded shape.
- When you notice the first buds, cut the new shoots, also the stems with the leaves and some with the buds. Continue pruning the plant like this for a few weeks, until mid-summer.
- Florist chrysanthemums that are already in bloom at the time of purchase have actually already been pruned.
Plant Mums Step 10 Step 4. Keep chrysanthemums alive during the winter
Florist chrysanthemums will not survive, but if you have planted garden chrysanthemums you need to follow some precautions to help them survive the cold.
- Place mulch made from straw or hardwood around the plants to protect the roots. Roll it out about 10 centimeters.
- Cut the dead flowers.
- Don't prune the stems. By leaving them intact, chrysanthemums will have a better chance of surviving the winter.
Advice
- Plant chrysanthemums near a building or bush to protect them from strong winds.
- Chrysanthemums bloom when the days are short, so don't plant them under a light source that could artificially lengthen the hours of light.
