A favourite flower for Mothers day, Chrysanthemum flowers are actually not difficult to grow plants and even easier to care for.
The flowering season is from late summer through to autumn, depending on the variety and climate zone.
Varieties available include the large flowers ‘Ball’ types, to many other colourful and free flowering types.
Smaller dwarf types are increasingly popular and are sold as potted specimens.
More hardy types for mass planting are also available.
Plants are available for sale as potted specimens from spring onwards, however most appear in nurseries when in flower. Cuttings are available from Summer to Autumn.
How To Grow Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums grow best in areas with mild climates, they will grow in a range of soil types but prefer a rich well drained soil with a consistent level of moisture.
They prefer full sun, with some shade from the afternoon sun in warmer climates can help protect the flowers, lower in deep shade flowering will be limited.
Tips For Better Chrysanthemum Flowers
- Position and Soil
Choose a sunny position with some afternoon shade in warmer areas.
Prepare the soil well by digging in compost and well retted cow manure. - Watering
One of the best ways to grow these colourful plants is by using a drip irrigation system. And this can work with plants grown in containers as well as those grown in the ground.
Drip irrigation reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases. - Lower The Humidity
Providing good air flow to lower the humidity, will also reduce disease. - Provide Support
To get those large exhibition style blooms you will also need to stake the plants, or you can use a wire or mesh grid is too are growing large quantities. - Fertiliser Application
Fertilise with a high nitrogen fertiliser up until the buds appear, after this use a low nitrogen fertiliser similar to tomato fertiliser.
Chrysanthemum Varieties
Chrysanthemums come in a number of types, annual (Xanthophthalmum) and perennial.
If you are growing them as a perennial they will spread naturally over time. It is best to dig and divide them every few years. The best time to dig divide and re plant is in early spring as the weather warm up.
They all prefer a humus rich well drained bur moist soil, taller growing varieties will need staking. As proven by florists all over the world they make great cut flowers and they come in a range of colours.
The variety to look for is Dendranthema x grandiflora this is the florists type, but often called the ‘Hardy Mum’.
It is a perennial, so you can grow it year after year, low growing to around 15 cm until the flowers appear then it will reach nearly twice that height with flowers ranging from white and pink through to red and even brown. Simple alternate lobed ovate leaves and flowering both in spring and autumn.
Chrysanthemums for exhibition purposes are classified using a system that uses :
- The flower colour, and this includes variations such as light and deep. Colours include White, Cream, Pink, Red , Bonze, Purple, Red, Yellow, Salmon.
- Flower type, this is to do with the flower shape or more correctly how the petals are arranged, such as Reflexed or Incurved.
- The size of the flower itself – Small Medium or Large
- The flowering time, Early, Mid Season or Late
Detailed Care
Firstly these are actually a fairly tough plant, great survivors, they will perform and flower more freely in good conditions, however it is very easy to grow chrysanthemum flowers.
The potted plants purchased for Mothers Day can be planted outside and they do well in cool to temperate climates.
Provide chrysanthemum plants with some protection from the afternoon sun, and a free draining soil. It is best to water the soil rather rather the plant, this helps prevent disease. Dig in lots of well rotted compost before planting.
As the plants begin to grow in spring prune back the shoots without flower buds to about 15cm, this keeps the plants strong and bushy rather than the natural sprawling habit. Deadhead spent flowers as needed.
Many gardeners like to ‘pinch out chyrsanthemums’ to make the plants bushier or for larger ‘ exhibition’ type blooms. Fertilise with a seaweed liquid fertiliser during the growing period.
Propagation.
Established plants can be divided every year when dormant, remove the new outer shoots and replant, the older core can usually be discarded. Cuttings can also be taken.
And that pot of Chrysanthemums that you brought for mum, can you plant it in the garden ? Yes you can, and with a little care it will thrive.
Button types (pictured right) are popular as cut flowers.
Summary
- Tough perennial
- Grows in full sun to part shade
- Humus rich moist soil
- Prune to keep bushy or promote larger flowers
- Easy to grow from cutting or seed
- Fertilize with an all purpose slow release type or a liquid seaweed fertilizer
- Lots of different varieties, colors and flower forms
- All are easy to grow but most types need staking.
Look for the Chysanthemum shows in your state
- Adelaide Show – First weekend in May
- Melbourne Show – First weekend in May. Burwood Heights Uniting Church.
Chrysanthemums are available for sale from the following nurseries
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au