5 - Chrysanthemum moriflorium Flashcards
What kinds of structures can Chrysanthemum moriflorium be grown in commercially for cut flowers?
- Glasshouse
- Polytunnel
Explain the propagation of Chrysanthemum moriflorium.
- Propagated from stem tip cuttings, 4-5cm in length, cut just below a node
- Medium strength rooting hormone can be used to enhance rooting
- Cuttings are rooted in a closed case with base heat at 21-24C
- Rooting takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
What happens once the cuttings have rooted?
- They’re moved from the closed case into a slightly raised bed in the border soil.
What happens once the Chrysanthemum morifolium cuttings have established in the raised bed?
- They are pinched out to encourage lateral growth in order to produce spray chrysanthemums.
How are Chrysanthemum moriflorum supported while they’re growing?
Using netting, held by posts driven into the soil around the bed. This is raised as the plants grow.
Describe the watering of Chrysanthemum moriflorium for commercial flower production.
Provided overhead until the flower buds form, then it provided at ground level by drip irrigation.
Name two pest and two diseases to keep an eye out for with Chrysanthemum moriflorium.
- Aphids
- Red spider mite
- Botrytis
- Powdery mildew.
Explain the fertilising of Chrysanthemum moriflorium.
- A top dressing of a fertiliser high in potassium is advantageous when flower buds are forming.
Explain the pinching out of Chrysanthemum moriflorium for various cut flower requirements.
- If you want a spray of flowers, the terminal bud on the stem must be removed
- If you want a single bloom, the lateral budes must be removed.
What is important about the amount of light Chrysanthemums need?
They will only flower if the day/light length is less than 13 hours. Commercial growers control day length and temperatures artificially in a protected environment
