Hardly any garden lover can resist chrysanthemums blooming lushly in bright colors, especially since the perennials can often be purchased very cheaply. But as soon as the plants have withered and are overwintered, they often no longer appear in the same splendor. At this point we explain some possible reasons and how you can get your chrysanthemums to bloom.
Too much moisture or a wrong location can be the reason why the chrysanthemum does not bloom
Chrysanthemums are heavy feeders
First of all: chrysanthemums are heavy consumers and must be fertilized regularly, especially if they are cultivated in pots. Garden chrysanthemums that are planted out are therefore best placed in nutrient-rich, dark soil. They thrive best with regular feeds of mature compost. Potted chrysanthemums, on the other hand, need more attention and should be supplied with a liquid fertilizer about every two weeks.
Flower buds dry up and fall off
You should be particularly careful if the plant develops flower buds, but these dry up and fall off before they bloom. Due to a lack of nutrients, the chrysanthemum is not able to actually pull through the exhausting flower and therefore prefers to shed its buds. As an immediate measure, fertilize the plant with a liquid fertilizer, for example for flowering plants, because its active ingredients are immediately available.
Don't forget to water
Incorrect watering can also restrict chrysanthemum blooms. The plants need a lot of water and must not dry out under any circumstances - at the same time, however, waterlogging must be avoided. So water your chrysanthemums plentifully, but at the same time ensure good drainage. Excess irrigation water must be able to drain off well and quickly so that the plant does not get wet.
Wrong location
Last but not least, the lack of flowering can simply be explained by the wrong location. The chrysanthemums are too dark or too light or in the wrong soil. The plants prefer loose, moist and humus-rich soil as well as a bright but never full sun location. In particular, the intense midday sun is often not tolerated by the sensitive chrysanthemums.
tips and tricks
Sometimes the blossoms are just a little long in coming: If the chrysanthemum that seems unwilling to blossom has not yet shown any buds in August, wait a little longer. Even if the plant flowered so early in the previous year at the gardener's, it is more likely that its natural flowering period will not begin until September or even October. Chrysanthemums that bloomed early were often treated by the gardener (e.g. with special lighting) and thus made to bloom earlier.