Chrysanthemum Care
ESTABLISHING YOUR CUTTINGS
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Step 1: Pot Immediately
Pot cuttings as soon as possible after receiving them and water thoroughly. Do not use “moisture control” potting soil. Standard potting soil works well.
Pot up cuttings into 4-inch pots to establish a strong root system before planting out.
Step 2: Water and Fertilize
Water with plain water initially. Once cuttings are acclimated and actively growing, begin fertilizing at half the recommended strength until established.
Chrysanthemums are heavy feeders. We recommend feeding weekly with a balanced fertilizer. We use liquid fertilizer applied either as a foliar spray or soil drench. For organic production, we use a 2.5-2.5-1 ratio during early establishment.
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PLANTING & SPACING
Plant in the ground or in containers.
If you do not have a protected growing structure, container growing is recommended. We prefer 2-3 gallon pots or larger.
Space plants approximately 12 inches apart. For cut flower production, spacing can be slightly closer depending on your system.
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FERTILIZER SCHEDULE
Early Season (Root Development)
Use a higher phosphorus fertilizer such as 10-18-8.
Mid Season (Vegetative Growth: May–August)
Shift to a fertilizer higher in nitrogen and potassium, such as 15-8-15.
Late Season (Bloom Development: September–November)
Transition to a fertilizer higher in potassium, such as 4-10-20.
Chrysanthemums require consistent feeding throughout the growing season.
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PROPAGATION
Once plants reach 6 inches tall and have at least three sets of leaves remaining below the cut point, you may begin taking cuttings.
Cut the top 3-inch tip. Remove most leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert into moist potting mix.
For best results:
• Use a propagation tray with humidity dome
• Maintain soil warmth around 70°F
• Keep out of direct sunlight
• Mist regularly until roots develop
Rooting typically takes two weeks or longer depending on conditions.
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PINCHING FOR PRODUCTION
Pinching encourages multiple stems and increased bloom production.
For September bloomers: pinch by June.
For later bloomers: pinch by July 1.
Do not pinch or take cuttings after these dates or bloom production may be reduced.
At our farm, we cut plants down to approximately 9 inches from the ground at the end of June.
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STAKING
Mums require strong support to prevent lodging.
Options include:
• Individual stakes per stem
• Hortonova netting for bed systems
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DISBUDDING
To produce large disbud blooms, remove all side buds and leave only the central bud.
This method is not recommended for spray-type varieties.
FROST PROTECTION
While plants can tolerate light frost, open blooms are easily damaged by freezing temperatures.
Protect flowering plants from frost. If growing in containers, move plants to a protected area when freezing temperatures begin.
Chrysanthemums initiate bloom based on shortening daylight hours.
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