Types of Chrysanthemum: Learn How to Plant & Propagate for Mums

Types of Chrysanthemums

One of the most popular flowers in the world among cut flowers is the flower of Chrysanthemum. In fact, different types of Chrysanthemums are cultivated for different purposes. Some varieties of Mums are grown in pots while some are used as garden beds and borders. Because of the attractive blooms, Chrysanthemums are loved throughout the world.

Generally, Chrysanthemum plants are subtropical to the temperate type of plants. They are found native to China and to European countries. Depending on the variety, the size of the plants and blooms varies, ranging from 15 cm in height for the dwarf varieties to 1 m in height for the tall varieties.

Chrysanthemums are annuals but there are types that are herbaceous perennials, as well. They can grow easily from old stems, growing new growths from cuttings that yield multiple new plants.

Typically, the Chrysanthemum blooms available at the flower shops are from the tall variants, and the dwarf varieties are mostly grown in pots and in garden landscapes. The varieties of tall plants of Chrysanthemums can be grown in pots, too, and they can make such beautiful indoor gardening. Although some tall variants are expensive in the market, yet they are worth the cost, especially because they tend to live longer as long as the plants are nourished properly.

Chrysanthemums, as cut flowers, are highly regarded in different parts of Asia and America. Associations and societies are established and created in different countries by Chrysanthemum enthusiasts, which are mostly professional individuals and laypeople around the world. They share the same passion and love for this beautiful flower.

For centuries, the cultivation of Chrysanthemum plants in China richly flourished. Moreover, the national flower of Japan is Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemums in Malaysia are popular, too. They call it in Malay “kek hwa” and in Mandarin “juhua.” In Hokkien, this flower is called “kek hway” and in Cantonese, it is “kok fa.”  However, even without names, the flower is so easy to recognize in any flower shops or flower markets in Malaysia. Being a cosmopolitan country, no one can miss the striking colors and the unique features of Chrysanthemums.

The ornamental Chrysanthemum plants are becoming a favorite among many gardening enthusiasts. One of the reasons why they love this plant is because growing them is easy whether in pots, containers, cans, buckets, trays, bottles, or ground. In addition, there are lots of cultivars and hybrid Chrysanthemums available in the flower shops and market, and you can choose to grow the varieties, colors, and sizes that you think are suitable for your gardens.

Growing Chrysanthemums indoors or outdoors is rewarding, too. They grow fast and easy, and it takes an easy step for the propagation of the stems or growing from seedlings. Keeping the plants healthy and well-nourished is never a problem, even if you plan to keep the plants growing and blooming year after year for a long time.

Fascinated with the flowers and plants of Chrysanthemums? Learn more about them here.

 

Chrysanthemums in Different Categories:

Chrysanthemums are found in many varieties. Some are original varieties and some are hybrids and cultivars with unique categories and special features. They are grouped according to their characteristics.

·         Pompoms and Semi-pompoms

Ranging from small to medium size, the blooms of the Pompoms and semi-pompoms Chrysanthemums are bushy and in double petals. The shape and form of the blooms are similar to the round, fluffy stuff that cheerleaders use during a sports game. Pompoms Mums are available in different colors, too.

·         Single Blooms

Chrysanthemum flowers that come with single petals are the single type. They look more like Daisy flowers with florets or modified petals at the center of the blooms radiating towards the outer side.

·         Spray Blooms

Spray Chrysanthemums are the variety wherein there are several blooms produced on each stem. Some blooms are single type while some are double. They are also recognized as clustered Chrysanthemums.

·         Anemone Blooms

Anemone Chrysanthemums are the single bloom type and with daisy-like features.

·         Incurved Blooms

Incurved Chrysanthemums are the type with globular blooms. The shape is due to the florets of petals that are tightly packed at the center of the bloom. The florets curve inwards, making the flower appear like a globe.

·         Reflexed Blooms

If the incurved Chrysanthemums tend to curve outwards, the reflexed-type curve to the opposite direction.

·         Intermediate Blooms

Intermediate-type Chrysanthemums feature both the incurved and the reflexed-type. However, the top part of the blooms has the resemblance of the incurved-type wherein the petals form a globular shape. The bottom part, on the other hand, looks like the reflexed-type Chrysanthemum.

·         Spidery Blooms

Spider Chrysanthemums are the type that features leggy petals like the legs of spiders. The petals radiate outwards, making them more attractive.

The Dwarf-type Chrysanthemums are mostly from the semi-pompom, spray, single, and anemone categories. There are also Dwarf Chrysanthemums from the pompom category. Moreover, the single-type Dwarf Chrysanthemums are one of the most attractive blooms because they come in large clusters and bright colors. The small blooms have a size of 1-2 cm in diameter.

The blooms of a spray Dwarf Chrysanthemum are, in fact, larger than the plant. When grown in pots, it restricts or limits the growth of the plant, but not the blooms. This type of Chrysanthemum plant is good enough to produce large trusses.  

Dwarf Chrysanthemums, although they are small blooms, are one attractive ornamental plant because of the above features. The large flower heads blooming on small, short plants make it a favorite Chrysanthemum category among gardening enthusiasts.

 

Planting and Growing Dwarf Chrysanthemums

Most gardeners enjoy planting and growing dwarf Chrysanthemums because it takes simple and easy procedures to maintain them. They are flexible plants, which is why gardeners enjoy growing them on the garden ground, in pots, containers, and potting materials. Those who grow them indoors also use different items like wooden boxes, rusty tin cans, cooking pots, old pails, and plastic bottles.

Growing Dwarf Chrysanthemums indoors is easy, but it requires some light from the sun and some shades. If you want the plant to grow for a long period of time, it is best to put it where it can get some bright light, especially during the sunrise. If they are in pots, you can easily move and transfer them to places where they can receive enough sunlight that they need for growth, blooming and photosynthesis.

However, Chrysanthemum is a type of plant that requires more nutrients from the soil. According to the farmers and gardeners, it is best to apply fertilizer and enrich the soil even before planting seeds or stems is done. Some plants, however, may still grow on soil that lacks fertilization, but they are weak and sickly, and they will never produce beautiful blooms.

Also, growing Chrysanthemums require good soil. In order for the plant to flourish, proper nourishment is necessary. Just like how a fisher uses the right fish baits in fishing, growing dwarf Chrysanthemums also need the right fertilization process. Blooming may not happen if the plant is under nourished.

According to the experts in growing Chrysanthemums, a generous application of fertilizers and manure is the right way to ensure the continuous growth and blooming of the plant. The more the soil is enriched with the right amount of fertilizer regularly, the more the plants will yield colorful flowers. This will also prevent stunted growth, weak plants, and poor blooming.

After preparing the soil, it is time to start planting the seedlings or cuttings. With a pair of scissors or sharp knife, cut the young suckers from the mother plant. Make sure they already have independent roots to allow fast growth. You can plant the rooted suckers into pots or garden grounds. They will grow best if they are watered regularly.

A pot of 30 cm in diameter is good enough to hold up to three Dwarf Chrysanthemum plants. They can grow well even in restricted space, yielding quality flowers year after year. They can also grow on soil beds with 15-20 cm spaces in between plants. The entire beds will look spectacular once the plants bloom during the season. The beautiful blooms are the reason why this plant is a favorite landscape ornamental plant.

 

Propagation of Chrysanthemums

As the plant grows, some shoots and suckers appear at the base of the mother plant. These shoots can be removed for easy plant propagation. On the other hand, the hard way of propagating Dwarf Chrysanthemums involves careful cutting of the stems. It should be done professionally using the right tools to keep the mother plant and the cuttings in the best condition. Improper handling may cause injuries and damages to the plant.

Cutting a stem from the mother for the purpose of replanting is propagation or commonly known to farmers and gardeners as vegetative propagation. Propagating Chrysanthemums is the easiest way to grow new plants. It is more cost-efficient than buying new seeds or new plants from the plant shop.

Generally, most gardeners and farmers make use of vegetative propagation to multiply the plants. This is because most types of plants are easy to multiply using this method. By simply using plant cuttings or cut stems from the mother plants, many people, including those in the rural areas prefer doing this trick whenever they want to produce and multiply more plants.

In vegetative propagation, the shoots at the base of the plant are cut and divided into sections 10-15 cm long. Although it is not needed, applying rooting hormone on the cut ends of the stem can be beneficial to fast and successful propagation. The rooting hormone helps the plant to produce more roots but it should be combined with the right potting mix, humid environment, low light, and cool temperature. It is important to know how the process is done to ensure the success of propagation and to prevent wasted plants and materials.

Some varieties or types of Chrysanthemums grow fast after a week or two, but some varieties may require more time to grow and develop new shoots or leaves.

After two or three weeks, the roots begin to appear at the bottom of the pot or at the drainage holes of the polybags. Also, by this time, some new leaves begin sprouting from the stem. Wait for another couple of weeks or until the plant becomes firm before repotting them into larger pots or containers or garden beds.

Once they are replanted, nourish them properly with fertilizer, water, and sunlight. Soon enough the Chrysanthemum plants are ready to give you attractive beautiful blooms in different colors.