Method for Continuing Chrysanthemums' Blooming Optimally During Autumn by Deadheading
Chrysanthemums, a popular garden favourite, can continue to bloom from late summer until the first frost with proper care and regular deadheading. This simple yet effective practice ensures continuous blooming and a vibrant display in your garden.
Begin deadheading as soon as the flowers start to fade, ideally from mid-month. Using pruners or scissors, cut off the spent blooms just above the first set of healthy leaves or new buds. This trick persuades the chrysanthemum into producing more flowers, as the plant "thinks" it has not set seed, resulting in prolonged and more abundant blooms.
Perform deadheading every week or so during the blooming period to keep the plant healthy and flowering strongly. Regular deadheading also prevents the plant from wasting energy keeping old, spent flowers alive. When deadheading, determine the next growth point and make the cut there to prevent brown stems.
Chrysanthemums bloom when the nights get longer and the temperature begins to cool. For more precise, targeted cuts, you can use tools like Corona's ClassicCut Forged Steel Bypass Hand Pruners or utility shears like Scotts 8in Garden Utility Shears from Amazon.
Shearing a chrysanthemum plant early in the season can be done, but only the upper layer of growth should be removed. This allows buds hidden in the lower stems to get better light and encourages new growth.
Fertilizing chrysanthemums every couple of weeks with a high potassium feed, such as Mum Fertilizer from TPS Nutrients or FoxFarm Blossom Builder, can support and nourish further flowering. Regular watering is also important, especially on hot, dry days.
Wipe the blade of the tool with alcohol or a bleach solution to remove pathogens and prevent the spread of disease. Maintaining a sharp tool is also crucial to avoid injury to the plant.
By following these guidelines, you can extend the flowering display of your chrysanthemums, enjoying their colour in your garden until the first frost.
