Content
Planting chrysanthemums in the spring must be carried out on time and in accordance with all the rules, otherwise in the current season flowering will be sparse or will not happen at all. Subsequent competent post-transplant care is also of no small importance, because only a well-groomed plant is at the peak of its decorative potential.
When is it better to plant chrysanthemums - in autumn or spring?
Like the vast majority of garden crops, it is preferable to plant chrysanthemums in the ground on the site in the spring. In this case, the flower has a lot of time ahead to fully take root and settle into its designated place. Planted in spring, the plant actively increases ground green mass, gains strength, and by the end of summer enters the flowering phase.
It is permissible to plant chrysanthemums in the fall, but only as an exception. Newly planted bushes are still too weakened to withstand the winter with dignity, so they often freeze out.In addition, some non-frost-resistant varieties of chrysanthemums are dug up for the winter and stored in relative warmth (basement, cellar). In the spring they are returned back to the flowerbed.
When to plant chrysanthemums in open ground in spring
Although chrysanthemum is considered a cold-resistant crop, in the spring it should be moved into the ground only after stable and sustainable warming. Return frosts should be a thing of the past and no longer pose a threat. In the middle zone, including the Moscow region, this time usually falls in the second half of May. In more northern regions, planting is done a little later - in the first ten days of June. In southern latitudes, where spring comes very early, flowers are planted from the beginning of April.
In order for the chrysanthemum to take root well in the spring, the soil in the flowerbed must warm up well - up to +12+14 °C. The temperature should be measured at a depth of about 15-20 cm.
In spring, you can plant blooming chrysanthemums, but you just need to try to minimize their root system
How to plant chrysanthemums in spring
In order for the chrysanthemum to express itself to the fullest and delight you with luxurious flowering, when planting it in the spring, you need to take into account several important points. Without observing these nuances, the decorativeness of the crop may be much lower than expected.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
For chrysanthemums, it is better to choose an open and well-lit area, because in the shade the stems stretch out, few buds are formed and they are small.Swampiness is contraindicated for this crop; waterlogging of the root system is considered the most common cause of plant death. Chrysanthemums should be planted in the spring on a small hill, where moisture does not accumulate and there is no close groundwater. Low-lying and wetlands should be avoided.
Most suitable for organizing a flower garden are fertile and well-drained loams and sandstones that do not allow excess moisture to stagnate. Very poor sandy soils are enriched by adding humus with the addition of a clay substrate. Heavy and clayey soil is lightened and loosened with sand. The area is carefully dug up, adding (per m2):
- nitroammofoska - 35-40 g;
- superphosphate - 20-25 g;
- organic matter (compost, humus) - 3-4 kg.
Landing rules
In order for chrysanthemum seedlings to take root better in the spring and grow faster, they need to be planted on a cloudy or even rainy day. As a last resort, morning dawn or evening sunset hours are reserved for planting work.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- First, they dig a planting hole with a diameter of about 0.5 m and a depth of about 0.3-0.4 m. If there are several bushes, then leave 0.3 to 0.5 m between them (depending on the dimensions).
- To improve the drainage of liquid, drainage (3-5 cm) of pebbles or simply coarse sand is poured onto the bottom of the dug hole.
- The seedling is lowered into the hole, the roots are straightened to the sides.
- Holding the bush, the hole is filled with soil.
- They compact the soil, simultaneously forming a hole for irrigation.
- Water abundantly (3-4 liters per bush).
When planting chrysanthemums, the soil around the bushes must be thoroughly compacted.
Caring for chrysanthemums after planting in spring
Further care for chrysanthemum plantings in the spring should be given special attention. This directly determines how abundant and long the flowering will be.
Watering and fertilizing
Since in spring and early summer chrysanthemums intensively grow their above-ground parts, they need to be watered frequently and abundantly. Usually 3-4 liters once a week is enough. If the weather is hot and there is no natural precipitation, then water more often (twice a week). After every good rain or full watering, you need to loosen the ground under the bushes, this will help avoid the formation of a soil crust that prevents air from penetrating to the roots.
Approximately 15-20 days after planting, chrysanthemums are fed with nitrogen-containing compounds:
- herbal infusion (1:8);
- chicken droppings (1:15);
- mullein (1:10);
- urea (10-15 g per bush).
In summer, when buds begin to form, chrysanthemum bushes need fertilizers with a high concentration of phosphorus and potassium. Can be used (per bush):
- wood ash (50-60 g);
- potassium monophosphate (8-12 g);
- superphosphate (15-20 g);
- any complexes (Fertik, Kemira) for flowering crops.
Mulching
To reduce the frequency of watering, chrysanthemum plantings should be mulched with mown grass, sawdust, peat, pine cones, and pine needles. Periodically, the mulch layer is renewed.
Shaping and trimming
In the spring, almost immediately after planting, it is necessary to begin to form the crown of the chrysanthemum bush. The technology of work is different and depends on the specific type of crop. Most often, pinching is used when the crown of the shoot is removed during the period of its active growth, but before budding begins. Shaping is carried out regularly in several stages, maintaining a sufficient time interval between procedures so that the trimmed bush has time to recover.
To increase bushiness, small-flowered chrysanthemums are pinched for the first time in the spring, shortening the tops after 4-5 leaves. New shoots released from dormant buds are pinched again at the 7th leaf. The resulting bush can contain about four dozen inflorescences.
Large-flowered varieties, which are often used for cutting, are pinched, stopping the growth of the central stem at a height of about 10-15 cm. Then no more than 2-3 strong shoots are left, promptly removing all axillary stepsons and lateral buds.
When the seedling outgrows and stretches out, it needs to be pinched at the top. This will speed up the appearance of lateral processes.
It is recommended to pluck out small buds of bush chrysanthemums - this way the remaining flowers will be larger
Advice from experienced gardeners
There are some subtleties in planting chrysanthemums in the spring and subsequent care for them, which experienced gardeners are willing to share:
- When decorating a flowerbed in the spring, it is better to select varieties of chrysanthemums that have different dimensions. The tallest bushes are planted in the background, the lowest ones in front.
- For regions with cold climatic conditions, special zoned frost-resistant varieties are more suitable.
- It is better to dig up some especially valuable bushes for the winter and transplant them into a container. The remaining ones must be insulated by covering them with spruce branches or any agricultural material.
- In order for the inflorescences to be large and bright, it is necessary to feed the plants in a timely manner.
- This crop does not like soils with a high clay content because they retain moisture. In the spring, before planting, sand must be added to such soils.
- Properly selected spring varieties of chrysanthemums with different flowering periods will allow the flower garden to be beautiful all summer and autumn until frost.
Conclusion
Planting chrysanthemums in spring does not present any technical difficulties. The key to the success of this event will be the correct location for planting the flower bed, its high-quality preparation, as well as the right timing of the work and subsequent care of the plantings.
