Mother’s Day is coming up very soon, and very few plants say ‘I love you Mum’ more than the beautiful ChrysantheMUM. So, join Nicholas & the team as we discuss how to grow Chrysanthemums.

There aren’t many plants that are as vibrant and beautiful as chrysanthemums. This blooming wonder is an easy-care plant that makes the perfect gift. They have long lasting flowers in many vibrant colours and are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Chrysanthemums prefer a free draining soil, that is nutrient rich.

Compost and cow manure are perfect for ensuring your soil is ideal for chrysanthemums, we recommend using Rocky Point Cow Manure. Dig this into the garden bed ahead of time. That way when it comes time to planting, the soil is ready to go.

Chrysanthemums like lots of sun but do need protection from the hot afternoon sun, so plant accordingly, and protection from strong winds is a must. You may need to stake your chrysanthemums to support them as they grow.

They are heat tolerant, making them the perfect addition to Australian gardens. They require moist soil, but not wet soil, for optimal growth. The soil shouldn’t be allowed to dry out in between waterings. If possible, set them up on an irrigation line that guarantees they get water at least twice a week, during their growing season.

Chrysanthemums are a low maintenance flowering shrub, that attract butterflies and other beneficial insects into your garden. They can easily be trimmed to shape and need to be fertilised every season to utilise growth and their potential, with a slow-release organic fertiliser.

Their flowers bloom twice a year, once in autumn and then again in spring.

They respond well to regular tip pruning especially while young to promote more branches, giving a fully bushier appearance. More branches mean more flowers.

Regular deadheading of spent flowers is a great way to keep your plant looking its best. It also encourages new growth and more blooms.

Chrysanthemums are often harvested for bouquets as they have lovely upright growth, and beautiful long-lasting flowers, and they also make a perfect cut flower for your vases at home.

Potted chrysanthemums can be kept indoors while flowering successfully, for several weeks. So you can enjoy their beauty from any well-lit area in your home. When the flowers finish, prune back, fertilise, and take them outside to plant in your garden.

Chrysanthemums are relatively pest and disease free.

Aphids are really the main issue. Manually remove them if possible or treat with a pest oil we recommend using Eco-oil for easy aphid removal and best results. It is safe to use around beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees. Make sure you follow the instruction on the bottle and follow up with routine sprays.

Signs that your chrysanthemums have aphids could include,

• Misshaped or yellowing leaves.
• Sticky substance on stems.
• Visible bugs on the underside of leaves and stems.

Ways to prevent aphids,

• Attract beneficial insects, like ladybugs which are a natural predator of aphids.
• Neem oil.
• Companion planting (with deterrent plants such as, oregano, sage & basil).
• Avoid over fertilising.
• Make sure they’re well-watered (so they have a natural tolerance).

We think Chrysanthemums make the perfect gift for mum, so be sure to come in store and grab one of these beauties for yourself and one for Mum.

Happy Gardening from Nicholas & the team at Capalaba Produce.