Chrysanthemums should be cut back regularly so that they develop a nice and even bushy shape and bloom for as long as possible. Many chrysanthemum varieties also need a support so that the flower-bearing stalks do not break off.

Dried flowers of the chrysanthemum can simply be snapped off

Pruning improves stability and prolongs the flowering period

A typical autumn flower, most chrysanthemums bloom as the days get shorter. Before that, she puts her energy exclusively into shoot growth, which you should regulate over the course of the growing season. Many new shoots remain thin and later simply fall over. You can strengthen them by pruning back these shoots several times, encouraging more branching and stronger shoots. This happens through

  • Snapping off the shoot tips
  • repeated pruning in May, June and July
  • Shorten shoots to four to five leaves.

You should also pay attention to the number of shoots: if there are a lot, thin out the bush and remove some shoots completely. Do not prune during the flowering period unless you remove faded stems. This measure in turn extends the flowering period because the plant keeps producing new flowers.

Cut back chrysanthemums before or after winter?

Finally, the final pruning takes place, in which all shoots are cut off to just above the ground. When this pruning takes place is entirely up to you. Some gardeners leave the stems through the winter and only cut them in late winter or early spring. Others prune the plant to winterize it. Both methods have their pros and cons, so you'll have to experiment to see what's good for your chrysanthemums.

Cut chrysanthemum cuttings

If you prune your chrysanthemums in the summer, you can also obtain top cuttings for propagation. Proceed as follows:

  • Take cuttings about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
  • Only cut them before bud formation.
  • You can root them in a glass of water or put them directly into potting soil.

The cuttings need a light and warm place, but without direct sunlight. In particular, the midday sun is not tolerated. Temperatures of around 20 °C are also ideal for rooting.

tips

Most chrysanthemums need a support, for example a support stick, from around the beginning of the flowering period (ergo in August).

Category:

Vegetable garden