Cultivation of Chrysanthemum

Botanical Name

Dendranthema grandiflora
(Formerly known as Chrysanthemum morifolium)

Family

Asteraceae

Introduction

Chrysanthemum is one of the most beautiful and important ornamental flower crops grown throughout the world. It is popularly known as the Queen of the East or Autumn Queen because it blooms profusely during the autumn and winter seasons. In India, it is commonly called Guldaudi.

The flowers are attractive, colourful, and available in different shapes and sizes. Chrysanthemum is widely cultivated for:

• Loose flowers

• Cut flowers

• Pot decoration

• Garden decoration

• Bouquet preparation

It is also an important commercial flower crop because of its high demand in markets and festivals.

Types of Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum flowers are classified into different groups according to flower shape and arrangement of petals.

Important types are:

• Single

• Anemone

• Pompon

• Decorative

• Incurved

• Reflexed

• Intermediate

Important Varieties

Standard Varieties

These varieties produce large flowers.
Examples:

• Basanti

• Snowball

• Rakhi

• Purnima

• Shanti

Spray Varieties

These produce many small flowers in clusters.
Examples:

• Ajay

• Apsara

• Pusa Aditya

• Jayanti

• White Bouquets

Climate

Chrysanthemum is a short-day plant. It requires:

• Long days for vegetative growth

• Short days for flowering

Suitable Temperature

• Day temperature: 20–28°C

• Night temperature: 5–20°C

Cool and pleasant climate is best for proper flowering.

Soil

Chrysanthemum can grow in different soil types, but the best soil is:

• Sandy loam to loamy soil

• Rich in organic matter

• Well-drained

• Soil pH around 6.5

Waterlogging should be avoided because it causes root diseases.

Propagation

Chrysanthemum is propagated by:

1. Seeds

2. Suckers

3. Terminal cuttings

Terminal Cuttings

This is the most common commercial method.

• Healthy terminal cuttings of 5–8 cm length are used.

• Cuttings are treated with rooting hormones like IBA.

• Rooting occurs within 3–4 weeks.

Land Preparation

• The field should be ploughed 3 times.

• Well rotten FYM or compost is mixed during ploughing.

• Soil should be made loose and fine.

• Proper irrigation and drainage channels should be prepared.

Planting

The ideal planting time is May–June.

Planting Method

• Rooted cuttings are transplanted in beds or ridges.

• Immediate irrigation is necessary after transplanting.

Spacing

• 20 × 30 cm

• 30 × 30 cm

• 40 × 40 cm

Spacing depends on the variety and purpose of cultivation.

Irrigation

Proper irrigation is essential for healthy growth.

• Water immediately after transplanting.

• During summer, irrigation is given every 4 days.

• During winter, irrigation is given at 7–10 day intervals.

• Excess water should be avoided.

Manures and Fertilisers

Organic Manure

• Farmyard manure (FYM) is applied during land preparation.

Fertiliser Dose

• NPK: 50:160:80 kg/ha

Application

• Phosphorus and potassium are applied as basal dose.

• Nitrogen is applied in split doses.

Staking

Tall chrysanthemum plants need support.

Purpose of Staking

• Keeps plants upright

• Prevents lodging

• Improves flower quality

Bamboo sticks are commonly used as stakes.

Pinching

Pinching means removal of the growing tip of the plant.

Advantages

• Encourages branching

• Produces more flowers

• Improves flower yield

Pinching is usually done when plants reach 10–15 cm height.

Disbudding

Disbudding means removal of side buds.

Purpose

• Produces large-sized flowers

• Improves flower quality

This practice is mainly done in large-flowered varieties.

Weed Control

Weeds compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Weed Control Methods

• Hand weeding

• Mulching with straw or sawdust

• Use of herbicides like trifluralin

Harvesting

Flowers are harvested when fully open.

Harvesting Time

• Early morning is the best time.

Yield

• Average yield is about 10–15 tonnes per hectare.

Important Insect-Pests

Major insect-pests of chrysanthemum are:

• Aphids

• Thrips

• Leaf miners

• Whiteflies

• Mealybugs

• Hairy caterpillars

• Red spider mites

• Root-knot nematodes

Control Measures

• Maintain field sanitation

• Remove infected plant parts

• Spray recommended insecticides

• Use sticky traps where necessary

Important Diseases

Common diseases are:

• Root rot

• Damping off

• Wilt

• Leaf spot

• White rust

• Bacterial leaf spot

• Viral diseases

Control Measures

• Proper drainage

• Use healthy planting materials

• Remove diseased plants

• Spray fungicides such as mancozeb or carbendazim

Conclusion

Chrysanthemum is an important ornamental and commercial flower crop. Proper management practices such as:

• Good land preparation

• Proper irrigation

• Balanced fertiliser application

• Pinching and disbudding

• Pest and disease control

help in obtaining better flower quality and higher yield. Chrysanthemum cultivation can provide good income to farmers and flower growers.

Check your progress

Practical Exercise

Activity 1

Propagation of chrysanthemum by cutting.

Material required

Healthy chrysanthemum plant, secateur, IBA, water can, etc.

Procedure

• Select the terminal branches of a healthy plant for cutting.

• Terminal tip cuttings of 5–8 cm long are cut with the help of secateur.

• Remove basal leaves and half of the other open leaves.

• Base of the cutting is dipped in IBA 500 ppm or Seradix.

• Plant the cutting by inserting them 3–5 cm apart in sand beds.

• Immediately after planting, light watering with fine rose can should be given.

• Irrigate it regularly daily until 3–4 weeks.