Chrysanthemum Rainbow

Planting & Soil Preparation 

Location: 

• Choose a sunny spot (6+ hours daily) with afternoon shade in hotter regions to protect from intense sun. 
• Avoid areas prone to waterlogging. 

Soil: 

• Ideal Soil is well draining, fertile soil enriched with compost or aged manure. 

 pH:

• Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0). Improve sandy or clay soils with organic matter. 

Indoor Sowing

Method:

• Use seed trays with well draining potting mix.
• Press seeds lightly onto the soil surface, 4 mm deep, and mist to keep moist. 

Conditions:

• Maintain 20–25°C and 6+ hours of light daily.
• Use a grow light if natural light is insufficient. 

Germination:

• Seeds sprout in 10–21 days.
• Thin seedlings to 12–15 cm apart once they develop 2–3 true leaves. 

Hardening Off: 

• Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over 1–2 weeks before transplanting. 

Transplanting: 

• Space plants 30–45 cm apart.
• Dig holes twice the root ball size, backfill, and water thoroughly. 

Direct Sowing

Seed Spacing:

• Scatter seeds thinly or plant in rows 30 cm apart.
• Cover lightly with 4 mm of soil (chrysanthemum seeds need light to germinate).

Watering:

• Mist gently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Use a fine spray nozzle to avoid displacing seeds.

Germination:

• Seeds sprout in 10–21 days.
• Thin seedlings to 30–45 cm apart once they develop 2–3 true leaves.

Care for Direct-Sown Seedlings:

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm layer of straw or sugar cane mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pest Protection: Shield seedlings with cloches or netting to deter birds and insects. Combat slugs/snails with beer traps or iron-based pellets.
• Weather Protection: Use 30–50% shade cloth in extreme heat. Cover seedlings with frost cloth if unexpected cold snaps occur.

Advantages of Direct Sowing

• Avoids transplant shock.
• Reduces indoor setup costs.
• Ideal for large-scale plantings or wildflower-style gardens.

Ongoing Care 

Watering: 

• Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
• Avoid wetting foliage to prevent mildew. 
• Morning watering is ideal to reduce disease risk. 

Fertilising: 

• Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g., seaweed solution) every 4–6 weeks during growth. 
• Switch to a high potassium feed (e.g., tomato fertilizer) during flowering. 

Pruning & Shaping: 

• When plants reach 20 cm tall, pinch off the top 2–3 cm to encourage bushiness. 

 Disbudding:

• Remove smaller side buds to focus energy on larger blooms. 

Pest Control: 

• Common pests: Aphids, snails, slugs. Use organic sprays (neem oil) or handpick pests. 
• Ensure good airflow to prevent fungal diseases like rust or mildew. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Chrysanthemums thrive with plants that share similar needs and deter pests: 

• Marigolds: Repel nematodes and aphids. 
• Lavender: Deters moths and slugs. 
• Garlic/Chives: Natural pest repellents. 
• Asters & Salvias: Complement Chrysanthemums colour and sun requirements. 

 Avoid: Heavy feeders like tomatoes, which compete for nutrients. 

Seed Saving Guide 

Harvesting: 

• Collect seeds when flower heads turn brown and dry (late summer to autumn) . 
• Cut seed heads and place in a paper bag to dry further. 

Processing: 

• Shake seeds loose from dried heads.
• Remove chaff. 

Storage: 

• Store seeds in a cool, dry place in labelled envelopes.
• Viable for 2–3 years.