Chrysanthemums are gorgeous flowers and come in a variety of sizes and colours with a pleasing fragrance. I remember chrysanthemums as winter flowers in India and the large ones were amazing. In the Gulf however we struggle to keep them alive in the summer, but a few cultivars do very well. There is one variety called perennial chrysanthemums which easily survive the summer in the Gulf in the shade and come winter starts blooming again.
Chrysanthemums if grown as seasonal flowers don’t require much fertilizing. If they survive the harsh weather here, then it is time to repot and give them some rich, well-draining soil. Add some vermiculite to your soil mix as they like to be moist but not soggy. Remember not to let them dry out.
In the winter, place them in the full sun and remember to deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms. This is absolutely key to their good health. Fertilizing with EM1 or Bioenzyme gives them lush green leaves and larger flowers. They can be propagated from cuttings easily but we get so much variety here that I have never felt the need.
Some of mine have successfully done one summer and are now blooming in the second season.
You can often find them in the indoor section of a plant shop or nursery, but they do fine outside in the winter.
Bring them under shade starting in March and they will most likely survive the summer here. Then bring them out in October and repot around November. Adding home compost is also helpful.
Enjoy your dazzling Mums.
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