Growing Chrysanthemums: Keeping Up with Explosive Growth
Chrysanthemums, those vibrant and enchanting flowers, have a surprising secret: they can burst into astonishing growth almost overnight once they find their forever home in the soil. But this rapid growth comes with a challenge – providing the right support to keep them standing tall and proud. In this article, we'll explore the incredible growth of chrysanthemums and discover how to give them the support they need to thrive.
The Phenomenal Growth of Chrysanthemums
Imagine waking up to find that a plant you've recently planted has shot up in height by several feet in just one night. That's the magic of chrysanthemums! These remarkable plants have a tendency to grow at an astonishing rate, and even with aggressive pinching, we have witnessed heights of up to 4 feet! Their abundance of stems and show-stopping blooms contribute to their allure, but also underscore the importance of providing additional support.
The Need for Adequate Support
If you have just a few plants, tomato cages or corralling the plants with twine might be all you need in terms of support, but if you’re like us and growing chrysanthemums in rows, they will require a more robust approach. When faced with the weight of their rapid growth, a sturdier and larger support system becomes necessary to prevent the plants from toppling over.
The Role of Support Netting
One effective solution to this challenge is the use of support netting. This special netting, typically made of durable plastic and featuring large squares, is stretched over the chrysanthemum plants. Wooden stakes are strategically placed every 4 feet to uphold the netting, forming a grid-like structure that offers support along the entire row. By taking care not to damage the netting during installation, it can be reused from year to year, saving resources and effort.
Installation and Timing
Early intervention is key when it comes to providing the necessary support for chrysanthemums. To prevent the plants from growing wildly and uncontrollably, it's best to put up stakes and netting within the first week of planting, before any additional fertilizer is applied. This proactive approach ensures that the plants don't reach colossal sizes overnight.
The Importance of Second-Layer Netting
Around 4 to 6 weeks later, it's time to evaluate whether a second layer of netting is required. While working with netting might seem cumbersome, it's a small inconvenience when compared to the alternative: dealing with a tangled mess of flowers that are difficult to use or sell. Erring on the side of caution and providing additional support can prevent this situation and contribute to a successful harvest.
Happy Fall Harvesting!
In the world of gardening, supporting your plants is a critical part of nurturing their growth and ensuring their success. Chrysanthemums, with their explosive growth and stunning blooms, are no exception. By understanding their unique growth patterns and the need for support, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of beautiful flowers that stand tall and proud. So, remember, it's always better to provide a little too much support than not enough – your chrysanthemums will thank you for it!
