zone gardening
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Chrysanthemums, which are native to China and revered by the Japanese, are among the most popular plants in temperate zones around the world. They are unequaled in the garden for their late-summer and fall blooms. Chrysanthemums flower for three to eight weeks with blossoms that range from tiny buttons to immense globes measuring 8 or more inches across.
Aside from their beauty in the garden, chrysanthemums are a hobbyist’s delight and can be grown as show specimens either outdoors or in the greenhouse. Hybridists have developed thousands of varieties, many of which vary greatly from their common ancestors. They can be induced to blossom in any season, particularly in greenhouses.
In general, chrysanthemum plants, or mums as we usually call them, are short-day plants, their blossoming periods triggered by the shortening days of late summer. It is then that the plants’ energies switch from vegetative growth to the production of flowers, which usually appear about six weeks after the buds. Some varieties require up to 12 weeks of relatively short days before they bloom.
For the gardener who wishes to control the blooming process, several methods are available. Special shading and lighting techniques can induce blooming at just about any time. But it is important to know the response time, which is the elapsed time from when the buds first set until the flowers come into bloom, for each variety.
Low-growing, bushy mum plants are in the six- to seven-week response group. The 8-, 9-, and 10-week response groups include all the flower forms. The varieties in the 11- and 12-week group are usually greenhouse grown, but even theses will bloom outdoors in some climates. If the temperature drops much below 32 degrees F, however, the buds and flowers will be damaged unless precautions are taken. A plastic cover placed over a plant will often work; an open shelter will keep temperatures 4-6 degrees higher than outside.
The popular term “hardy chrysanthemums,” used to describe the low, bushy types, is somewhat misleading. The roots of all perennial mums are capable of withstanding temperatures slightly below freezing. It is alternate freezing and thawing that causes most winterkill by lifting these shallow-rooted plants out of the ground.
One way to prevent this is to dig up the plants after they have bloomed and to store them in a cold frame. Another is to store the plants on the ground along the north side of a building and cover them with straw. If the plants are in very well drained soil, they may be left and covered with 2-4 inches of loose mulch after the ground freezes.
About the Author:
Barbara E. Volkov and her husband Gene are a retired couple who enjoys the at home time and also tinkering around in the garden. We are always learning new things to do for our garden and enjoy sharing the information with others. Check out our website www.gardenersgardensupplies.com for more interesting tidbits on gardening.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Chrysanthemums – The Delight of Gardeners
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