How Do Chrysanthemums Reproduce?

The chrysanthemum is a traditional famous flower in China, with a great many varieties and high ornamental value. In practical cultivation, chrysanthemums are mainly propagated in four ways: cuttings, division, grafting and sowing, and growers can choose the appropriate method according to the characteristics of the variety and the purpose of cultivation. Among them, cuttings are the most commonly used, being simple to carry out and relatively high in survival rate.

Cuttings are mostly taken during the period of vigorous growth. Select young shoots from healthy plants as cuttings, remove the lower leaves, keep a few leaves at the top, and insert them into a loose, airy, well-drained medium. After insertion, keep the medium moist and provide appropriate shade, avoiding direct strong sunlight. In an environment with suitable temperature, the cuttings will gradually take root and survive, and once they grow new leaves they can be transplanted and planted out.

Division is suitable in spring. Dig out the new shoots sprouting beside the mother plant together with their roots, separate them and plant them individually. The method is simple and the young plants grow fairly quickly. Grafting is often used to cultivate chrysanthemums with a special plant shape or with multiple flowers on one plant, mostly using garland chrysanthemum, Artemisia annua and similar plants as rootstock; once the scion has taken, it will grow and bloom normally with proper care.

Sowing is mainly used to breed new varieties. Sow the seeds in a seedbed in spring, and after emergence strengthen water and fertilizer management, gradually harden off the seedlings and transplant them. Whichever method is used, the young plants after propagation are rather tender, so attention must be paid to controlling common pests and diseases such as powdery mildew, viral diseases, cotton bollworm and aphids, while watering and fertilizing sensibly and keeping good ventilation and light, so that the seedlings can grow vigorously and bloom smoothly.