The chrysanthemum is one of the most important houseplants and is very popular in Europe. It is truly an imperial flower with a tradition from the Far East. Here we have care tips for chrysanthemums:
Care and maintenance of chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums in pots or the garden
Chrysanthemums can be placed in flower pots or boxes on the balcony or terrace. However, this is only possible year-round in mild regions and winters. These cheerfully colorful flowers do not like frost. The pot should be well protected in winter, preferably placed directly against the house wall. If temperatures drop below -15 °C, you should rather bring the flowers indoors. Here, the chrysanthemums will appreciate bright, cool, and airy rooms with temperatures around 5 °C. This location may lead to occasional shoots, but this is not harmful and can simply be trimmed in the spring. However, it should not get warmer than 15 °C; the flowers can also be placed at a north-facing window.
After flowering, the old shoots die off and new ones appear. Sometimes this happens in parallel. Only what has dried out should be cut off.
The soil should be kept just moist enough so that it does not dry out. Water only on frost-free days.
Watering
The soil of the chrysanthemums should be kept just moist enough so that it does not dry out. Waterlogging can lead to root rot, and drying out of the root ball can lead to the shedding of buds.
In the garden, you can water on frost-free days. If the location is sunny, you must water almost daily during the warm summer weeks. Likewise, quite large plants in small pots or tubs must be watered regularly.
Fertilizing
In the first year after planting or repotting, no fertilizer is required. The usual soil mixtures are usually pre-fertilized. Afterwards, fertilize monthly from April to September in the form of liquid fertilizer. It is also possible to use fertilizer sticks in the spring or autumn.
Chrysanthemums as cut flowers
Chrysanthemums as cut flowers last longer in the vase if you hold the stem ends briefly over a candle flame. This seals the stem and prevents rapid wilting.
Read also: Tulips stay fresh in the vase
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
