How do you cultivate and manage potted chrysanthemums? These six measures are indispensable

Chrysanthemums are perennial herbaceous subshrubs, and because they have many varieties, their leaf shapes, flower forms, and flower colors vary greatly. So, how should potted chrysanthemums be cultivated and managed? To achieve large flowers, beautiful colors, green leaves, moderate height, and well-proportioned form, the following six measures are indispensable.

1. Fertilize at the right time and control fertilizer. Chrysanthemums like fertilizer. Improper fertilization can easily cause excessive vegetative growth. If too much fertilizer is applied, the plants become tall with sparse leaves, so the base fertilizer should be mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Do not apply topdressing too early. If the leaves are small and thin and the leaf color turns yellowish, spray 0.1% urea water several times until the leaves turn green again. If symptoms of phosphorus and potassium deficiency appear, spray a 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution. From the Start of Autumn to before flowering, fertilizer and water should be sufficient, and the concentration should gradually increase. Attention should also be paid to applying more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which can make the flower color true and the flowering period long.

2. Control water appropriately. To make chrysanthemums grow short and sturdy, with dense nodes, plump leaves, and without bare lower stems, water control is the only effective measure. Potted chrysanthemums should be watered at the right time and in the right amount. Even during the vigorous growth period, the daily amount of water only needs to be maintained at the amount needed for evaporation by noon during the day, that is, spray the leaves with leaf-surface water once each morning and evening.

3. Repot and change the soil appropriately. During the entire growth process of chrysanthemums, generally 2—3 repottings are needed. During the seedling stage, transplant them into small pots about 12 cm in diameter for care. During the strong seedling stage, move them into pots about 15 cm in diameter for cultivation. Before flower bud differentiation, move them again into pots about 20 cm in diameter for cultivation. At this time, fertilizer should be applied in a timely manner. Only in this way, as the flower pots gradually increase in size and the potting soil gradually increases, is it beneficial to supply the appropriate amount of water and fertilizer needed at each growth and development stage. Absolutely avoid using a large pot to grow small seedlings or a small pot to grow large seedlings. If the branches and leaves are found to be overly luxuriant, part of the old soil or fibrous roots can be removed.

4. Pinch in time. Timely pinching can promote the growth of side branches and effectively reduce plant height. For potted plants, the timing and number of pinchings vary according to different shaping arts. Generally, 4—7 flowers are retained. After the chrysanthemum seedlings are planted, pinch when 4—5 leaves are retained. When their side branches grow 4—5 leaves, retain 2—3 leaves on each side branch and carry out the second pinching.

5. Remove buds and thin flower buds. During the strong seedling stage of chrysanthemums, many axillary buds sprout and need to be pinched off in time with the fingers. Otherwise, they consume a large amount of nutrients and can produce many small side branches, making the plant appear messy and disorganized. During the bud stage, side buds sometimes appear on the small branches below the terminal bud. Except for those that need to be retained, side buds should also be removed early to promote the enlargement of the terminal bud.

6. Take good care of the lower leaves. As the saying goes, “fresh flowers also need green leaves to set them off.” By carrying out cuttings at the right time, and during the growth period of potted chrysanthemums reasonably fertilizing, watering, and preventing pests and diseases, you can prevent the lower leaves from turning yellow and falling off, and also ensure that the leaves remain green and beautiful, improving the ornamental effect.