Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum comes from Greek 'Chrys' meaning golden (the color of the original flowers), and 'anthemon', meaning flower. This name was given to it by Carolus Linnaeus, a Swedish naturalist also known as the father of modern taxonomy.

Chrysanthemum flowers bloom in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. Chrysanthemum blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and in a wide range of colors. In addition to the traditional yellow, other popular colors are white, purple, and red.





Chrysanthemums - Meanings
The Chrysanthemum flower symbolizes fidelity, optimism, joy and long life. Here are some color-specific symbolisims:
  • A red chrysanthemum conveys love
  • A white chrysanthemum symbolizes truth and loyal love
  • A yellow chrysanthemum symbolizes slighted love
Growing Chrysanthemums
  • Chrysanthemums are not specific to any season.
  • Chrysanthemum plants can be grown in any kind of soil, but they require a sunny weather for best performance. Chrysanthemum seeds are sown in those areas which experience low rainfall during the rainy season.
  • Chrysanthemums are easy to be grown and are propagated by division of roots, cuttings and seeds. Usually, the Chrysanthemum seedlings are transplanted after about a month of sowing. But sometimes seeds can also be sown directly in situ and seedlings thinned out after germination.
  • Chrysanthemum plants flower in about three months of sowing. Chrysanthemums have a long flowering period.
Chrysanthemum Plant Care
  • After the transplants, the Chrysanthemum beds should be weeded, hoed and watered regularly.
  • In some cases staking of Chrysanthemum plants is necessary.
  • After a few weeks, the Chrysanthemum seedlings are pinched to make them bushy.
  • Fertilizing the plant is an important step in caring for chrysanthemums. Fertilize when the plants are ready for blooming and discontinue fertilizing after flower buds are formed.
  • A careful check should be made to detect diseases or insect/pests and prompt control measures should be adopted to control them.
  • The faded Chrysanthemum blooms should be removed regularly as it helps prolong flowering.
  • Chrysanthemums are susceptible to aphids and plant bugs, leafspot and stunt, and foliar nematodes. However, Chrysanthemums benefit from winter protection.

Information provided by: theflowerexpert.com