Chrysanthemum Production By: Johnny M. Jessup Agriculture Teacher/FFA Advisor

Introduction Chrysanthemums are the most popular cut flower sold in the United States. They are very popular as a potted for…. Mother’s Day Memorial Day Easter 2 nd only to poinsettias in $ value for potted flowers.

Chrysanthemum Production Many different Cultivars grown Sunny Linda Sunny Anna Sunny Alison Rusts Many, many more

Chrysanthemum Production Rooted cuttings are available from wholesale growers.

Chrysanthemum Production Number of plants per pot depends on the pot size: 4” pot has 2 plants. 5” pot has 4 plants. 6” pot has 5 plants. Should be equally spaced and slanted towards the outside at a 45 o angle.

Chrysanthemum Production During the first 2 weeks…. Potted mums should be spaced 8 inches apart measuring from pot rim to pot rim.

Greenhouse Temperatures First 2 Weeks: 63 o F at night & cloudy days and 70 o F on sunny days. From 2 Weeks to the 3 Last Weeks: 62 o F at night & cloudy days and 70 o F on sunny days. Last 3 Weeks: 55 o F at night & cloudy days and 65 o F on sunny days.

Chrysanthemum Production Improper temperatures cause uneven bud set.

Chrysanthemum Best Practices Pinching Done to make a more compact plant with more flowers. Disbudding Done to control or reduce the number of flowers per plant.

Chrysanthemum Best Practices PINCHING DISBUDDING

Chrysanthemum Production Media must be…. Free from diseases and insects. Porous and well drained.

Chrysanthemum Production Fertilization Have a regular program of liquid fertilization using 250 ppm of at each watering. Watering Mums should be watered when the top of the media is beginning to appear dry.

Chrysanthemum Production Mums are a short day plant meaning…. They flower when days are short and the nights are long.

Chrysanthemum Production Bud set light period is 14½ hours or less and flower development takes place when daylight is 13½ hours or less. Vegetative growth light period is less than 12½ hours.

Chrysanthemum Production From August to May 15, light is used during the middle of the night to break the long dark periods. From about March 15 to October 20, black cloth is used to give about 12 hours of darkness from about 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Chrysanthemums

Designed By: Johnny M. Jessup; FFA Advisor Hobbton High School