How to propagate multi-headed chrysanthemums and when to plant seeds

1. Breeding Methods

1. Prepare the substrate: It is best to use a soilless substrate. You can mix rice husk and perlite, with the best ratio being 3:1. Place the prepared substrate in the seedling container and level it for later use. Because cuttings rely on the cuttings' own nutrients for growth, the substrate may not contain nutrients and there is no need to apply basal fertilizer.

2. Timing of cutting: The best time is from May to June before the high temperature comes. The cutting period needs to be determined based on factors such as the length of seedling raising time and the number of pinching times. Generally, it takes about 2 weeks to grow seedlings in a soilless medium, and about 20 days in a soil medium. Then, after the seedlings have been potted for about 10 days, they can be pinched off. The first period is between July and August. Based on this, the best cutting period can be selected.

3. Branch selection: Choose branches that are well-growing, strong and free of pests and diseases as cuttings. Generally, chrysanthemum plants are used as cuttings after germination after multiple pinching. The length of the cuttings should be 5-6 cm, and the leaves at the base of the cuttings should be removed. It should be noted that the picked cuttings cannot be exposed to the sun, but should be placed in a cool place and sprayed with water to keep them moist.

4. Cuttings: When cuttings, the row spacing should be about 3cm, and one-third of the cuttings should be inserted into the substrate. After insertion, use your fingers to gently press the matrix around the base so that it can be tightly combined with the matrix. After plugging it in, use a spray bottle to spray it with enough water.

5. Potting: After the cuttings take root and become seedlings, they need to be potted in time. When the fibrous roots are about 2 cm long, it is most suitable for potting. When potting, avoid damaging the root system, and try to use smaller pots so that the nutrients can be more concentrated. The plants need to be planted shallowly in the pot, and the soil should not be filled all at once. It is enough to fill most of the pot. You can continue to fill the soil as the plant grows. After potting, it needs to be placed in a cool place for about 3-5 days, and then moved to a sunny place for normal maintenance and management.

2. Sowing time

If multi-headed chrysanthemum is propagated by seeds, the sowing time is mostly from February to April. Under normal circumstances, it will bloom in the same year of sowing. After sowing, the soil moisture needs to be maintained and the temperature should be controlled at around 10-18℃ for germination.