Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are beautiful ornamental garden plants, ideal for growing in pots and containers.
This plant is excellent as ground cover or border plant since its foliage is attractive and remain green all year. As a landscaping plant, the chrysanthemum makes a beautiful display for the home garden.

Chrysanthemums are the most popular flowers next only to roses. They are favorites among home garden because of the colorful flowers. The flowers are available in a wide array of colors - from white to yellow and gold, pink, orange, bronze, deep red, maroon, violet and purple. Some are a mix of colors. They dominate a growing area with their many varied shapes, sizes and colors.
Chrysanthemums have a long flowering period. There are so many varieties of chrysanthemums today.

How to grow chrysanthemums:
Chrysanthemums are easy to be grown and are propagated by the divisions of plants and seeds. These plants can grow in any kind of soil, but they require a sunny weather for best performance.

By seeds:
Sow seeds in the already prepared garden soil, cover the seeds with a layer of potting soil.
The seedling appear 2-3 weeks and thin out after germination, They can be transplanted after about a month of sowing.

By divisions: 
1) Chrysanthemum plant should be divided to avoid overcrowding and to promote maximum flowering. They should be divided  when new growth appears.
2) Dig entire lump  and separate the plants with a sharp knife. Remove all the dead parts.
3) Replant the divisions as soon as possible in loose, well drained rich organic soil.
4) Young divisions will grow much faster and provide a better plant.

Care: 
Chrysanthemums should be watered regularly.
Seedlings should be pinched to make them bushy.
Fertilize when the plants are ready for blooming and discontinue fertilizing after flower buds are formed.
The faded Chrysanthemum blooms should be removed regularly as it helps prolong flowering.