About Lesson
Introduction to Chrysanthemum
- Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum indicum
- Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
- Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mum or chrysanth, is a widely cultivated flowering plant known for its vibrant colors, which include white, yellow, pink, purple, and red. The plant is widely used in both ornamental gardening and the cut-flower industry.
Soil Type:
- Chrysanthemums require well-drained, sandy loam soil. The soil must be rich in organic matter to support healthy root growth.
- Soil should have a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral), which is optimal for nutrient absorption.
Climate:
- Chrysanthemums are short-day plants, meaning they require long nights (around 12 hours of darkness) to flower.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 20°C to 28°C.
- Humidity: Chrysanthemums prefer a humidity range of 70% to 75% to encourage healthy plant development and minimize stress.
Varieties of Chrysanthemum There are several varieties of chrysanthemums with different flower colors and characteristics, including:
- Raja
- Zipri
- Sonali Tara
- Yellow Gold
- Pusa Anmol
- Pusa Sentevary
- Arka Swarna
- Arka Ganga
- Bindiya
- Co-1 (Yellow)
- Co-2 (Purple)
- Indira
- Ravi Kiran
- Pankaj
- PKV Shubra (PDKV Akola)
- Sweet Heart
Each variety differs in terms of color, bloom size, and flowering time, and growers can select varieties based on their market preferences and climate conditions.
Types of Chrysanthemum Flowers
- Incurved: Giant blooms with petals that curve inward, creating a fully closed center. The lower florets may give a skirted effect.
- Reflexed: The florets curve downward and overlap, giving the bloom a flattened appearance. Popular varieties include Doreen Statham.
- Spider: Long, tubular florets that coil or hook at the ends. The petals may range from fine to coarse.
- Korean Single: A single bloom with a relatively flat structure.
- Korean Double: A double-flowered bloom that offers a fuller appearance.
- Decorative: Flattened blooms with short petals. The center disk should not be visible, and the upper florets tend to incurve.
- Anemone: Features a raised, cushion-like center with semi-double florets around it.
- Pompon: Small, round, and compact blooms that resemble pom-poms.
Propagation Methods
Chrysanthemums are primarily propagated through vegetative methods to ensure that the offspring maintain the same flower traits as the parent plant. The two main methods are suckers and terminal stem cuttings.
i) Suckers:
- After flowering, cut the stem just above ground level. This encourages the growth of side suckers, which can be separated and planted in a sand bed.
- Spacing: Plant suckers at 30 cm x 30 cm on one side of a ridge.
- Treatment: Dip the roots in a fungicidal solution to protect against wilt diseases before transplanting.
- Pinching: Perform monthly pinching to induce more lateral branching and improve flower quality.
- Quantity: Approximately 1,10,000 suckers are required for one hectare.
ii) Terminal Stem Cuttings:
- Cuttings should be 5-7 cm in length and taken from a healthy stock plant.
- IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) treatment: Dip cuttings in 2500 ppm IBA to promote root development.
- Place cuttings in sand beds under shaded conditions for rooting.
Spacing and Planting
- Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 30 x 30 cm between plants to ensure good air circulation and room for growth.
- Planting Season: Chrysanthemums should be planted between April and May, with around 1 to 1.25 lakh cuttings per hectare.
Manures and Fertilizers
To achieve healthy growth and abundant blooms, chrysanthemums require adequate nutrition.
- Organic Manure: Apply 10 to 15 tons/ha of well-decomposed organic manure like FYM (Farm Yard Manure).
- Fertilizer Application: Use a balanced fertilizer with the ratio 100:50:50 kg/ha (NPK – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium).
- Half dose of nitrogen should be applied at 30 days after planting (DAP).
- Further fertilization can be applied as per the crop’s growth stage and requirements.
Intercultural Operations
- Pinching: To promote branching and better flowering, pinching should be carried out regularly.
- Disbudding: Remove side buds to allow the main flower to develop properly.
- Deshooting: Remove excess shoots that do not contribute to the flower production.
- Staking: As chrysanthemums are tall, staking is essential to support the plants and prevent breakage due to heavy blooms.
Harvesting and Yield
- Harvest Time: Chrysanthemums are typically ready for harvest 5-6 months after planting.
- Flower Development: Harvest when the flowers are fully open, and 2-3 rows of ray florets are perpendicular to the flower stalk.
- Yield: The expected yield is around 70-80 quintals per hectare.
Types of Chrysanthemum Flowers and Harvesting
- Standard Types: Flowers should be harvested when 2-3 rows of ray florets are perpendicular to the flower stalk.
- Spray Types: These varieties should be harvested when 50% of flowers show color.
