This flower needs to be grown right now, or you'll regret letting summer go to waste

Why grow summer chrysanthemums

The blooming period of summer chrysanthemums is from May to September each year. Right now is the summer chrysanthemum blooming season, and the passionate summer chrysanthemum is the perfect match for the hot summer!

Summer chrysanthemums are very easy to keep alive, and with just a little care they will burst into a ball of blooms for you!

Have these gorgeous summer chrysanthemums caught your eye? If you want to grow a few pots, keep following Huahua to learn how to care for summer chrysanthemums!

How to make summer chrysanthemums bloom into a full ball

If you want summer chrysanthemums to bloom into a full ball, one of the secrets is to keep pinching and topping them!

1. Pinching and topping seedlings

Summer chrysanthemum seedlings can be pinched and topped 1 week after planting. Keep at least 6 leaves at the base of the main stem and pinch off the top.

2. Side shoots emerge after 1 week

About 1 week later, the topped summer chrysanthemum will sprout side shoots. Generally, one branch will grow 3 side branches.

3. Continue pinching and topping

When the side shoots that have emerged grow to about 7cm, pinch and top them again, still making sure each branch has at least 6 leaves.

4. Apply fertilizer in time

The last topping of summer chrysanthemums is best finished before mid-July, otherwise it will affect their blooming. Before flowering, apply a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once every 10 days to promote blooming.

How to keep summer chrysanthemums blooming all summer

Although summer chrysanthemums are easy to keep alive, if you want them to bloom all summer, you still need to care for them carefully, starting with daily maintenance.

1. Watering

Summer chrysanthemums are fairly drought tolerant. As long as the potting soil is kept slightly moist, their growth needs can be met. Too much watering easily causes the branches and stems of summer chrysanthemums to grow wildly and affects their shape.

2. Fertilizing

Before summer chrysanthemums bloom, apply a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once every 10 days, or simply bury a small amount of bone meal in the soil.

3. Light

Summer chrysanthemums love light very much. It is best to place them on a south-facing balcony with plenty of sunlight, and if conditions allow, they can be placed outdoors.

4. Pests and diseases

Summer chrysanthemums often attract aphids, but there is no need to be afraid. Mix laundry water with water at a ratio of 1:500 and spray the plant to get rid of the aphids.

How to propagate summer chrysanthemums

Propagating summer chrysanthemums is especially simple. Any branch can be cuttings and root successfully, so come and learn with Huahua!

1. Select young shoots

Choose relatively sturdy young shoots of summer chrysanthemums and cut them off, keeping only the top 2 pairs of leaves on the cutting and removing all the rest.

2. Insert the cuttings into soil

Cut the summer chrysanthemum into lengths of about 10cm, poke a hole in the prepared growing medium with chopsticks, insert the cutting, and gently press the soil around the base to secure it firmly.

3. Spray water to keep moist

After inserting the cuttings, spray the soil with water to moisten it. You can choose to cover the plant with a plastic bag to keep it moist. After about 10 days, the summer chrysanthemum will be able to take root.

How to prune summer chrysanthemums after flowering

To make the next bloom of summer chrysanthemums form a full ball shape, it is best to prune them after the flowers fade.

1. Prune the branches

First cut off the faded flower branches of the summer chrysanthemum. Unopened or currently blooming flower branches can be kept as appropriate.

Cut off the weak and diseased branches of the summer chrysanthemum, then cut all branches to a similar height. This way, it will easily burst into a ball the next time it blooms.

2. Deal with the cut branches

Cut off the flowers from the pruned flower branches, remove the leaf edges at the base of the branches, and cut the leaves down to 1/3 of their size.

3. Prepare the soil

Summer chrysanthemums are not picky about soil. Flower lovers can mix garden soil and peat at a ratio of 4:1 to make soil for cuttings.

4. Insert the cuttings into pots

Insert the pruned branches into the prepared soil, water them, and place them in a cool, ventilated spot for care.

5. Compost the flowers and leaves

Do not throw away the cut flowers and leaves. Put them directly in the compost bin, and after a while you can harvest flower fertilizer.

Have you learned the care tips for summer chrysanthemums?

That is all Huahua is sharing today

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