Potted fragrant chrysanthemum

Potted fragrant chrysanthemum (Fullet daisy) care tips:

(1) Potting : Xiangju is commonly grown from cuttings and typically reaches maturity in 2–3 years. It's best to purchase seedlings between March and April. If you want to grow your own seedlings, you can start with seeds in spring. Choose pots like purple clay pots, hexagonal, or rectangular ones. The soil mix should be garden soil, manure, and sand in a ratio of 6:1:3. Planting should take place from late March to early April. Before planting, line the bottom of the pot with a layer of coarse charcoal or broken tiles for drainage. Add decomposed cake fertilizer or hoof meal as a base fertilizer. After planting, water thoroughly. The next day, water again to ensure the roots are well settled into the soil.

(2) Pruning : Potted chrysanthemums can be shaped into natural forms, such as layered clouds or curved shapes, usually with 3–4 main branches divided into 3–4 layers. The lower branches are larger, while the upper ones are smaller. You can also create long, hanging branches at the base. Pruning should be done during the slow growth periods, from March to April and August to September. Since gerbera stems are thin and fragile, be gentle when shaping them and avoid applying too much force.

During the growing season, regular pruning and pinching are essential for Xiangju. Remove dense, long, or crossing branches promptly. In mid-May, when new shoots reach 8–10 cm, shorten them to 2–4 cm. Trim extra branches between layers and place the plant in a sunny area. After 10–20 days, new shoots will appear, bringing silver-gray leaves that look very attractive. As the new shoots grow, older base leaves will gradually die off—remove them before new growth starts or after cutting. By mid to late July, if the new shoots are vigorous, you can top them once or twice.

(3) Watering and Fertilizing : Xiangju requires careful fertilization, following the principle of "thin first, then thick," using small amounts and balancing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply cake fertilizer every 10–15 days during the growing season. In the late growth stage and after flowering, use phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. You can also spray 0.2% urea and 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the leaves. Organic fertilizers must be fully decomposed. Avoid fertilizing during high temperatures, or use a small amount of inorganic fertilizer instead. Repot potted chrysanthemums every two years. When repotting in autumn or when changing pots, add base fertilizer, such as decomposed cake fertilizer or manure, about 20–100 grams per pot.

Watering is crucial for Xiangju. It needs to be done on time, in the right amount, and thoroughly. Adjust watering based on growth stage, temperature, and humidity. In spring and autumn, water once a day or every other day. In summer, water twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. In winter, water every 7–10 days. Always ensure the plant doesn't wilt or dry out. Adjust the amount of water depending on the growth stage and weather conditions. During flowering, maintain moderate soil moisture to support seed production and avoid overwatering. Xiangju is highly sensitive to waterlogging, so check for standing water in the pot before the rainy season and drain it immediately after rain.

(4) Pest Control : Chrysanthemums are generally resistant to diseases and pests, but some common issues include leaf black spots, brown spots, powdery mildew, spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and leaf-eating pests. Regular inspection and prompt treatment are necessary. For spot diseases, use 50% carbendazim or 75% chlorothalonil diluted 800–1000 times. For powdery mildew, apply 1000 times diluted triadimefon. Aphids can be controlled with 1000 times diluted imidacloprid. For scale insects in the larval stage, spray 40% dimethoate 2–3 times at 1000 times dilution. Red spiders can be treated with 15% abamectin emulsifiable concentrate diluted 2000 times.

Proper care and attention can help your potted fragrant chrysanthemum thrive and bloom beautifully throughout the seasons. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, following these steps will ensure healthy growth and vibrant flowers.