A Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Precautions for Snake-Eye Chrysanthemum

Snake-eye chrysanthemum (Sanvitalia procumbens) is a very beautiful flowering plant, native to Mexico, and now cultivated throughout the country. Its flowers resemble sunflowers in both color and shape, but are smaller and more delicate, with extremely high ornamental value, and are deeply loved and sought after by everyone. So how exactly should snake-eye chrysanthemum be planted?

How to plant snake-eye chrysanthemum

1. Sowing time: Snake-eye chrysanthemum is best planted in cool seasons, so sow and propagate in spring and autumn.

2. Seed germination: Soak the seeds in warm water for 3-10h until the seeds absorb water and swell.

3. Sowing and thinning: You can sow directly in the open ground and cultivate in sandy loam. After the seeds sprout, promptly pull out the substandard seedlings, such as diseased and weak small seedlings, to improve the health of the remaining seedlings and give them space to grow. Once the seedlings have grown more than three leaves, they can be transplanted into pots.

4. Fertilizer and water management: Snake-eye chrysanthemum has high requirements for fertilizer and water. During the vigorous growth period, nutrients must be supplemented in time, following the principle of frequently applying nitrogen fertilizer and maintaining a balance of nutrient elements. After flowering, solid fertilizer can be applied. The soil for snake-eye chrysanthemum must have good permeability and good drainage, and water should not be applied too much.

5. Plant management: If snake-eye chrysanthemum is not pinched, a single whole plant will grow very tall, so in order to allow the side branches to differentiate more, we need to top and pinch it. The plant can be pinched when it is 10 m tall. Snake-eye chrysanthemum is prone to aphids, so pesticide should be sprayed frequently for prevention and control, and it should be placed in a ventilated and bright place.

Planting methods and precautions for snake-eye chrysanthemum

1. Light. Snake-eye chrysanthemum likes light and generally needs sufficient light, though it can still tolerate partial shade.

2. Temperature. When cultivating snake-eye chrysanthemum, note that it is relatively afraid of intense heat and is not cold-tolerant.

3. Water and fertilizer. When cultivating snake-eye chrysanthemum, generally keep the air humidity relatively high, maintain sufficient moisture, and do not let it become too dry. It also should not be exposed to rain. Generally, keeping the air humidity between 65%——75% is sufficient.

When fertilizing, generally follow the principle of frequent but light application and maintain a balanced mix of elements. During the peak growth season, keep water and fertilizer sufficient, and after flowering, appropriately control fertilization.

4. Cultivation notes. Snake-eye chrysanthemum likes a moist environment, but it should not be too moist, and too much fertilizer should not be applied, as it will cause fertilizer damage. When flowering lasts for a relatively long time, some fertilizer can be applied at the roots. At the same time, note that too much fertilizer makes the plant prone to lodging.

5. Propagation. Snake-eye chrysanthemum is generally propagated by sowing, and sowing can be done in both spring and autumn.

Flowering period control of snake-eye chrysanthemum

Snake-eye chrysanthemum likes a climate with sufficient light and cool, dry conditions. When cultivating snake-eye chrysanthemum, propagation by sowing and by cuttings can be used. It can be sown in spring and autumn, and will bloom in the spring of the following year.

When cultivating snake-eye chrysanthemum, control water and fertilizer, and do not use too much water and fertilizer, which would cause the plant to grow excessively or even lodge. Appropriately controlling water and fertilizer can promote a short, sturdy plant, and the number of flowers will also be greater.

If you want to control the flowering period of snake-eye chrysanthemum, you need to choose a suitable sowing time.

If sown in March——April, snake-eye chrysanthemum can bloom in May——June. If sown in June, snake-eye chrysanthemum can bloom in August——September. If you want it to bloom in March——April, then snake-eye chrysanthemum needs to be sown in September in autumn, but at this time overwintering measures need to be taken.

The value of snake-eye chrysanthemum

1. Medicinal value. As medicine, snake-eye chrysanthemum has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It is mainly used for red, swollen and painful eyes, acute and chronic dysentery, and damp-heat dysentery. Therefore it is also called dysentery herb.

2. Garden ornament. Tall snake-eye chrysanthemum can be planted in gaps in gardens, used as ground cover and allowed to self-sow and multiply. It is suitable as a cut flower.

3. Decorative value. Snake-eye chrysanthemum is an annual herbaceous plant native to Mexico and other Central and South American regions, characterized by a very long flowering period. It opens successively under sunlight and is also suitable for use as a decorative flower in flower baskets.

Through the above content, I believe everyone has gained some understanding of snake-eye chrysanthemum cultivation techniques. Snake-eye chrysanthemum is not only beautiful with high ornamental value, but also has certain medicinal value and can clear heat and detoxify. More and more people are planting snake-eye chrysanthemum now!