Chrysanthemums are among the most beloved flowers of autumn, captivating us with their vibrant beauty and late blooming. These plants produce bright flowers just as other blooms prepare for winter. Chrysanthemums can be propagated through cuttings or by dividing the bush. Proper propagation allows for easy multiplication of your plants, with new bushes blooming in the same autumn or the following year.
Choosing the Right Mother Bush
Start by selecting a healthy mother bush with bright flowers in the desired shape and color. It’s recommended to propagate shrubs with large flowers in winter or spring, while small-flowered varieties should be propagated in spring or summer.
The Grafting Process
The grafting process is quite simple:
- Dig Up the Mother Bush: After flowering, carefully dig up the mother bush and remove the stems.
- Temperature Control: Place it in a prepared vase at a temperature of 5-6 degrees Celsius.
- Transition to Warmth: About a month before planting the cuttings, move the mother bush to a bright, warm location and water it generously until new shoots begin to grow.
Cutting Preparation
When the shoots develop about 6 leaves, it’s time to take cuttings. You can obtain up to a hundred cuttings from a single bush. If you want to plant them later, you can store the cuttings in the refrigerator until planting time.
Rooting the Cuttings
For successful rooting, prepare perlite (or vermiculite mixed with sand) and containers for the seedlings. Plant the cuttings at an angle or vertically, burying them halfway and ensuring regular watering.
Transplanting Young Bushes
Prepare a permanent spot for the young bushes in May, making sure to leave enough distance between them for healthy growth.
Conclusion
Propagation of chrysanthemums by cuttings is an affordable and effective way to create numerous beautiful bushes. These bright flowers will surely enhance your garden throughout autumn and into winter!
