Chrysanthemums can be grown from seed. It is a rewarding and cost-effective way to grow these beautiful flowers. By starting chrysanthemums from seed, you have the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of cultivars and colors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow chrysanthemums from seed:
1. Timing: Start chrysanthemum seeds indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last spring frost date in your area. This will give the young plants ample time to grow and develop before being transplanted outside.
2. Seed starting kit: Use a seed starting kit or individual seed trays to sow your chrysanthemum seeds. These kits provide a controlled environment for the seeds to germinate and grow.
3. Sowing seeds: Sow the chrysanthemum seeds thinly and evenly on the surface of a seed starting mix. Avoid overcrowding the seeds, as this can lead to competition for light and nutrients. Gently press the seeds into the soil, ensuring good soil-to-seed contact.
4. Light and temperature: Chrysanthemum seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Place the seed trays in a sunny location or under grow lights. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70-75°F (21-24°C).
5. Watering: Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle or a gentle watering can to avoid dislodging the seeds. Maintain a humid environment by covering the seed trays with a plastic dome or a clear plastic wrap.
6. Germination: Chrysanthemum seeds usually germinate within 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and place them in a location with bright, indirect light.
7. Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into individual pots or containers. Gently lift the seedlings from the seed tray, being careful not to damage the roots, and plant them at the same depth in the new containers.
8. Hardening off: About 2 weeks before the last frost date, start acclimating the young chrysanthemum plants to outdoor conditions. Gradually expose them to increasing amounts of sunlight and outdoor temperatures, starting with a few hours each day and gradually increasing the time.
9. Planting outside: Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings have been hardened off, they can be planted outside in a well-prepared garden bed or containers. Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil.
10. Care and maintenance: Water the chrysanthemums regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch back the growing tips of the plants to encourage branching and a bushier habit.
11. Overwintering: Chrysanthemums are generally perennial plants, but some cultivars may not be reliably hardy in colder regions. In such cases, you can dig up the plants in fall, pot them, and overwinter them indoors in a cool, frost-free location. Replant them outside in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Growing chrysanthemums from seed can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It allows you to have a wide selection of cultivars and colors, and you can take pride in nurturing the plants from their early stages. With proper care and attention, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful chrysanthemum blooms in your garden.
