Chrysanthemum growing

Hi All,

I've decided that this year I'd like to start growing some Chrysanths, I've been keen on them for some time (having worked in a nursery which grows them for two years while I was at hort college). Still debating whether to do some on the allotment for cut flower, in containers or both. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Alex

 

I would definitely go for both, perhaps the more hardy types of the allotment for cut flower types although I'm unfamiliar with the varieties of Chrysanthemums, but definitely go for both, it allows for more possibility.

 

I'm down on the plot tomorrow to do a plan of my beds for this year so I'll shove a few in somewhere. Think I'll take your advice and do some in pots also to add to the interest. Been checking out suppliers, would anyone recommend Woolmans?

 

Woolmans are an old firm with a great background in growing Chrysanthemums..
I have just started growing them again after a break of over 30yrs .I got mine from Harold Walkers another old supplier ..
You could do sprays and also the large blooms if you have time for disbudding ..Then in pots for later flowering ...
Plenty of choice to suit your needs..

Dave

 

Dave do you buy in and propagate from your stock? I would love to do this but I'm lacking in a greenhouse at the moment. Gonna make some space on the plot, choose some varieties and get my order in, I'm absolutely spoilt for choice but I've seen a few that I like.

Alex

 

Hi Alex
As I mentioned I had not grown any for 30yrs (and have now retired) so I bought some in last spring . They grew and flowered well this season .. I have now lifted the stools and they are boxed in the greenhouse . I am hoping to take cuttings in Feb for the coming season ..
Some varities are hardier than others and could probably cope with most winters . A coldframe is also useful to house the old stools , get them in during late Oct /Nov,cut off the larger basal shoots leaving the smaller ones ..they would overwinter in the coldframe (cover with sacking or similar in worse of the winter weather ) keep them on the dry side, and check over for dead leaves etc. In early spring you will find they will have new basal shoots they would also benefit from a liquid feed ,then as you have no greenhouse you can break these away form the main stool with some roots attached .Pot these into 3in pots, water lightly, and keep in the coldframe . These will grow into a new plants for planting out as weather permits .
Hope this makes sense ..

Dave