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Introduction:
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums or chrysanths, are popular ornamental plants known for their vibrant and diverse blooms. This manual provides comprehensive guidelines for successful chrysanthemum cultivation, from selection to maintenance.
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Botanical Information:
- Genus: Chrysanthemum
- Common Name: Chrysanthemum, Mum
- Family: Asteraceae
- Origin: Asia and northeastern Europe
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Climate and Growing Conditions:
- Hardiness Zones: Varies by variety, generally USDA zones 5-9.
- Temperature: Prefers cool nights and mild days; 60-75°F (15-24°C).
- Sunlight: Full sun for at least 6 hours daily.
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Variety Selection:
- Hardy Garden Mums: Suitable for outdoor planting and come in various colors.
- Florist Mums: Often grown for cut flowers, with a wide range of bloom forms.
- Cushion Mums: Compact, suitable for containers and borders.
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Site Selection and Preparation:
- Well-Drained Soil: Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. Mix the fertilizer through the soil with a rotavator.
- Air Circulation: Select a location with good air flow to prevent disease buildup.
- Avoid Frost Pockets: Avoid planting in low-lying areas prone to late spring frosts.
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Soil and Substrate:
- Organic Media: Well-draining potting mix with coir, perlite and compost.
- Water Holding Capacity: 40-50%.
- Cation Exchange Capacity: 5-10 meq/100g.
- Air Porosity: 10-30%.
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
- Texture: Well-draining loamy soil is ideal. Incorporate organic matter for improved fertility and structure.
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Planting:
- Spacing: Plant 6 inches apart to allow for growth and air circulation.
- Depth: Plant at the same depth as they were in their nursery containers.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.
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Watering and Irrigation and light:
- Consistent Moisture: Maintain even soil moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Avoid Overhead Watering: Direct water at the base of the plants to prevent foliage diseases.
- Drip Irrigation: Consider using a drip irrigation system for efficient and consistent watering.
- Light bulbs: From the planting time a duration of 2-3 weeks daylength light should be added to reach 16 hours of daylight. 70 lux/meter is the minimum requirement for daylength extension. The lights should be on during 10pm until 2am.
- Programming light: different planting times results in light-areas and the non-light areas. Between those batches a blackout curtain is needed.
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Fertilization:
- Pre-Planting: Incorporate balanced, slow-release fertilizer during site preparation.
- Regular Feeding: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
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Support and Staking:
- Tall Varieties: Provide stakes or supports for taller varieties to prevent bending or toppling.
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Pruning and Deadheading:
- Pinching: Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness and more blooms.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering.
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Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor Regularly: Inspect plants for signs of pests (e.g., aphids, spider mites) and diseases (e.g., powdery mildew).
- Natural Predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Organic Pest Control: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for minor pest issues.
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Harvesting (if applicable):
- Cutting Technique: Use clean, sharp shears to make a diagonal cut just above a leaf node.
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Post-Harvest Handling (if applicable):
- Water Conditioning: Dip stems in warm water with floral preservative.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place with good air circulation.
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Use of coir in soil media
- Electing High-Quality Coir:
- Choose high-quality, well-processed coir from reputable suppliers. Look for products labeled specifically for horticultural use.
- Rehydrating Coir:
- Prior to use, rehydrate the coir by soaking it in water. It will expand and become more pliable as it absorbs moisture.
- Incorporating Coir into Soil Mix:
- Blend the rehydrated coir with the existing soil. Aim for a mix that includes about 20-30% coir. This helps improve soil structure, aeration, and water retention.
- Ensuring Proper pH Levels:
- Check the pH of the soil mixture after adding coir. Chrysanthemums prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Coir is naturally pH-neutral, so additional adjustments may be necessary.
- Improving Soil Structure:
- Coir helps lighten heavy soils and improves drainage, which is crucial for chrysanthemums as they prefer well-draining soil.
- Enhancing Water Retention:
- Coir is excellent at retaining moisture, which can be particularly beneficial for chrysanthemums, as they require consistent moisture levels.
- Mulching with Coir:
- Apply a layer of coir mulch around the base of chrysanthemum plants. This helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Monitoring Moisture Levels:
- Regularly check soil moisture levels to ensure they are within the preferred range for chrysanthemums. Coir retains moisture well, so it’s important to avoid overwatering.
- Fertilization:
- Coir is low in nutrients, so it’s important to supplement with appropriate fertilizers to meet the specific needs of chrysanthemums. Use balanced, slow-release fertilizers.
- Adjusting pH Levels as Needed:
- Monitor the pH levels in the soil mixture periodically and make adjustments if necessary to maintain the slightly acidic to neutral conditions preferred by chrysanthemums.
- Replacing or Amending Soil:
- Over time, chrysanthemums may deplete the nutrients in the soil. Coir can be amended or replaced to rejuvenate the soil.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Monitor plant health, address any nutrient deficiencies, and adjust watering and fertilization practices as needed.
- Electing High-Quality Coir: