Chrysanthemum Growing Guide
The chrysanthemum is a perennial plant that is excellent for use as an ornamental plant in gardens and flower beds. It provides colorful and impressive flowers over a long period. If you would like to grow a chrysanthemum, here is the guide:
Step 1: Location and the Sun
- Location: Shrub chrysanthemums need full sun to thrive. They will grow better and bloom more impressively if they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day .
- If your garden is in a hot area, you should also make sure it has good ventilation to prevent problems with excessive heat.
Step 2: Soil
- Soil: Shrub chrysanthemums prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A good growing mixture is sandy soil with compost.
- pH: It prefers soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH (pH of 6-7).
Step 3: Watering
- Watering: The shrub chrysanthemum should be watered regularly , but it is important to avoid flooding the soil. The plant needs moist soil, but not too wet.
- Watering in the summer may be more frequent, especially if the heat is high. It is important to ensure good drainage in the soil.
Step 4: Fertilizing
- Fertilization: In order to encourage good and healthy flowering, it is recommended to fertilize the shrub chrysanthemum every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
- During the flowering period, it is best to avoid using fertilizers rich in nitrogen, as they may encourage leaves instead of flowers.
Step 5: Pruning and Maintenance
- Pruning: After the chrysanthemum blooms, it is a good idea to prune the plant and look for any dead leaves or flowers. This is important to encourage new growth for the next bloom.
- Removing dried flowers: Dried flowers should be removed to prevent unwanted growth and ensure more future flowers.
Step 6: Pest Control
- Chrysanthemums can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs and red spider mites . It is a good idea to inspect the plant regularly and take action against pests if they appear.
Step 7: Winter
- The shrubby chrysanthemum is a winter-hardy plant, but keep in mind that if you live in an area with very cold winters, you may need to prot