Chrysanthemums ( Chrysanthemum sp. ) Are very colorful flowering perennials. Due to its simple care and its beautiful flowering, this is one of the most popular plants in homes, both indoors and outdoors. When growing them, although they do not require very special care, we must take into account a series of tips to facilitate their development and flowering.
For this reason, we analyze all the care and cultivation of chrysanthemums for their optimal development and we will tell you about them in this simple practical guide. Read on and get to know this ornamental plant well. You will see that it will bring more joy to your home!
How is the chrysanthemum plant
The chrysanthemum plant has its origin in Korea, although today it is frequently cultivated in Japan, where it is also known as the autumn flower and is a symbol of pleasure and happiness. Chrysanthemums are one of the most cultivated and popular plants in any of its varieties. Among the species most cultivated outdoors, Chrysanthemum x rubellum stands out with its serrated leaves and flowers in the form of pink, white or yellow daisies , or Dendrathema x grandiflorum , with alternate leaves and double yellow, pink, red, orange or purple flowers. A type of chrysanthemums dedicated only for commercial purposes are the so-called spray chrysanthemums, although with less resistant varieties than the previous ones.
There is a wide variety of chrysanthemums , with up to 30 known species. Most stand out for their colorful red, pink, orange, white or yellow flowers. Another characteristic for which these plants stand out is their late flowering, reaching until the month of November, when most of the flowers begin to disappear.
Chrysanthemum cultivation: planting, location and transplantation
Chrysanthemums are not specific to any season nor are they difficult to grow, however it is best to plant chrysanthemums in spring , since they do best in a warm climate with little rainfall and, although they do not flower until late summer or early In autumn, they will be better established and will withstand the harsh conditions of autumn and winter much better. When planting them in the ground, we will do it at a minimum distance of 50 cm. In addition, they thrive in almost any type of soil.
If we buy potted chrysanthemums in autumn, that is, bought in a nursery or a garden store and that have their own pot and are not taken from another larger plant, we can grow them in the ground directly, planter or pot, preferably with terrazzo, although their resistance will be less than if they are planted in soil from the ground of a garden or field. To plant them, we must choose a sunny place . Perennial chrysanthemums can be planted from March to May in nurseries, while annuals from February to March.
The chrysanthemum plant is propagated through seeds, roots, or cuttings . About a month after planting in the pot they should be transplanted , although sometimes the seeds can be planted directly in the ground and become clear after germination. After a minimum of three months from planting, chrysanthemums bloom for a long period.
Basic Chrysanthemum Care: Watering, Composting, Blooming, and Common Pests
Chrysanthemums are plants that, in general, do not require much care after transplanting, except to water them frequently if it does not rain and remove the withered flowers, without requiring a general pruning, to promote the appearance of new flowers. A curious fact about this plant and that is one of the reasons why it is very popular is that it is one of the flowering plants that take time to wither , so we enjoy them for a long time.
In some cases, it may even be necessary to stake the plants. Regarding the irrigation of chrysanthemums , it should be noted that the plants should be watered when the soil is dry, especially those grown in pots. You have to avoid waterlogging your soil and foliage to avoid the development of rust or mold disease .
After a few weeks, the chrysanthemum seedlings should be pinched to make them bushy. In addition, before flowering they should begin to be fertilized with fertilizers and natural fertilizers , if possible, until after the first flower buds are formed. To prolong the chrysanthemum blooming, which can last until November as we have mentioned before, the wilting flowers should be pruned regularly.
You should also carry out a control on diseases, insects or pests and learn to avoid and control them. Chrysanthemums are frequently attacked by aphids, leaf spot or leaf nematode.
What is the meaning of chrysanthemum
The meaning of chrysanthemums is that of a golden flower and it is one of the most valued autumn flowers. According to the Feng Shui philosophy, they are ideal flowers to attract happiness and laughter to the home and their meaning was that of protection, joy and eternity .
This plant also acquires, according to Asian culture, different meanings according to the color of its flowers. Thus, the pink color symbolizes the fragility of a relationship, the white ones indicate a deep pain after a love break, the yellow ones symbolize the rejection in a relationship or in love and the red ones are preferred to declare love to another person.
