How to Grow Crown Daisy (Garland Chrysanthemum)? A Detailed Explanation of the Key Points of Scientific Cultivation Techniques

Crown daisy is a variety introduced into China from abroad. After careful cultivation in China, it now has a very high planting rate and a wide cultivation range in China. The reason it is so well liked by people is mainly because it has high dietary therapy value, so many people now want to grow it.

Scientific Cultivation Techniques for Crown Daisy

1. Seed treatment: 3~4 days before sowing, soak the seeds in 50~55 hot water for 15 minutes, then soak for 12~24 hours, and place them in a warm place at about 25°C for germination. During germination, rinse them with clean water once a day. If they are new seeds, place them in a low-temperature treatment at 0~5°C in advance for about 7 days to break dormancy.

2. Sowing selection: For protected cultivation in spring, generally sow and raise seedlings in a hotbed in late March or April; for open-field cultivation in spring, sow and raise seedlings in a hotbed in mid-April; for direct sowing in open fields in spring, sow under small arched sheds or plastic film in early May; for summer and autumn cultivation, sow in batches and stages in cold beds or open fields, with one sowing period every 7~10 days.

3. Sowing method: Depending on the cultivation method (direct sowing or seedling transplanting), broadcast sowing or drilling can be used. For broadcast sowing, the seeding rate is 60~70 kg per hectare; for drilling, sow at a row spacing of about 10 cm, with a seeding rate of 30~37.5 kg per hectare. For seedling bed sowing in early spring, cover with medicated soil to prevent damping-off disease. The seedling age should preferably be 20~0 days, and 3~4 true leaves is the suitable period for planting out.

4. Planting out: From sowing to germination and emergence generally takes 5~7 days. During germination, pay attention to moisture retention to prevent the soil from drying out. When the seedlings are 2~3 cm tall and have 1~2 true leaves, carry out thinning and field seedling removal so that the plant spacing remains 1~2 cm. Also carry out shallow intertillage, and plant out when the seedlings have 3~4 true leaves. The outside or greenhouse temperature at planting out must stably pass 10°C. The plant spacing for planting out or final thinning should be 4~6 cm.

Growing Conditions for Crown Daisy

1. Temperature. Crown daisy has wide adaptability, naturally prefers a cool environment, and is not tolerant of high temperatures. The most suitable temperature for growth is 17~20°C. Below 12°C growth is slow, and above 29°C growth is poor, but it can tolerate short-term low temperatures of 0°C. Seeds can germinate above 10°C, but germinate fastest at 15~20°C.

2. Light. Crown daisy is not strict about light requirements and generally grows well under weaker light conditions. Under higher temperatures and short-day conditions, it bolts and flowers. Under long-day conditions, vegetative growth is insufficient.

3. Water. Crown daisy is not strict about water and fertilizer requirements; it is enough to keep the soil moist regularly, but there should not be too much water, otherwise growth and development are affected and yield is reduced.

4. Soil. Crown daisy has a wide range of soil adaptability and is not strict about requirements, but loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam is best. A pH of 5.5~6.8 is most suitable.

Field Management for Growing Crown Daisy

1. Watering and fertilizing: Begin watering after the seedlings emerge. The timing and frequency of watering should be handled flexibly, with the standard being to keep the soil moist. Apply a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer once 10--15 days before each harvest, with 15 kg of potassium nitrate and about 8 kg of urea per mu.

2. Pest and disease control for crown daisy: Pest and disease control for crown daisy mainly starts with agricultural control. Fertilize and water reasonably, and avoid alternating too much and too little. Do not let temperature management fluctuate too high or too low, create a good ecological environment, promote healthy plant growth, reduce pest and disease damage and pesticide application, and maintain ecological balance.

Harvesting Crown Daisy

Crown daisy generally has a growth period of 40~50 days. When the plant height reaches about 20 cm and it has 12~13 true leaves, it can be harvested. To keep the product fresh and tender, harvesting should preferably be done in the morning. If harvesting is delayed and the temperature is high, the stems and leaves will age, quality will be poor, or internodes will elongate and it will bolt and flower. If multiple harvests are desired, use a knife to cut it off leaving 2~3 cm at the base of the main stem, and tie the cut tender stems and leaves into 0.5 kg small bundles for market. After cutting, water it, and it can be harvested again after one month.

In fact, the cultivation method for crown daisy is still quite simple. The main thing is to first carry out germination treatment on the seeds, then transplant at the appropriate time. Later management is also crucial: fertilize and water at the right time, ensure its nutrition, and also do a good job of pest control. It is believed that if these tasks are done well, crown daisy will grow better and have better quality.