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The annual chrysanthemum is an unpretentious culture of European or African origin. Despite the relative simplicity of the flower device, it has a spectacular appearance due to the bright colors and variety of colors. Grows well in temperate climates, has a long flowering time.
Are there annual chrysanthemums
The classic perennial chrysanthemum is native to northeast China. Most of these plants, despite their spectacular appearance, are very demanding in care and have complex agricultural practices. Annual chrysanthemums are predominantly representatives of certain types of ornamental culture of Mediterranean or North African origin.
In fact, there are three main types of these plants: keeled or tricolor chrysanthemums, field (sowing), coronal.
The first of these species contains the most beautiful and spectacular plants. As a rule, it was he who was used to breed most varieties of chrysanthemums. The height of these varieties ranges from 15 to 60 cm.
Field chrysanthemums are actually weeds that compete with cereal crops (especially wheat and corn). Mostly, these are plants of the lower tier.
The coronal species are also quite decorative, but not as diverse as the tricolor ones. They have the highest growth, reaching up to 100 cm.
How to distinguish perennial chrysanthemums from annuals
These groups of plants actually differ in species, that is, they are different biological species. But gardeners are of little interest in the chromosome set of crops; for them, the difference in appearance and growing characteristics is important.
Most perennial chrysanthemums have complex lush inflorescences, while annuals mostly look like daisies or asters. The flowering time of annual crops is longer, and the buds themselves bloom earlier.
The shape of the root system also differs: representatives of the Chinese species have a strong taproot, the inhabitants of the Mediterranean have a near-surface distributed system of roots.
Varieties of annual chrysanthemums
In terms of varietal diversity, annual chrysanthemums can only be compared with asters. The choice of existing varieties is quite wide, and even the most sophisticated connoisseurs of variegated shades will find among this culture what they like.
German flag
Variety German flag (Chrysanthemum German Flag) is a plant up to 50 cm high with a flower in the form of a camomile. The diameter of the inflorescence is 7-8 cm. Its middle is dark, and the leaves have a gradient yellow-red color, outwardly resembling the flag of Germany.
On one bush there can be up to two or three dozen inflorescences of different ages
The leaves of the variety are sessile, oblong, often with serrated edges. Likes to grow on light soils with the addition of lime.
Dunetti
The large-flowered variety of the keeled chrysanthemum Dunetti (Chrysanthemum Carinatum Dunetti) has a height of 80 to 100 cm. The flowers are double, reaching a diameter of up to 15 cm. Even within the same variety, Dunetti’s colors can be very diverse. On sale, this variety is presented under the name “terry mixture”.
It is believed that the color of the Dunetti variety depends on the acidity of the soil on which it is grown, as well as on the flowering time.
The leaves of the plant have a dark green tint, they have pubescence. In appearance and structural features of the bush (thick stem, taproot, etc.), Dunetti is very easy to confuse with perennial chrysanthemums, but this, unfortunately, is not the case.
Rainbow
Rainbow (Chrysanthemum Rainbow) is one of the most variegated varieties with the largest number of shades. Their diversity creates a rainbow effect, which is reflected in the name of the variety. According to the characteristics – the usual keeled chrysanthemum, the height of the stem is not more than 60 cm, the diameter of the flower is 5-7 cm. The leaves are thin, almost needle-shaped, of a light green hue.
The variety has an incomparable color – one bush can even have multi-colored flowers
Flowering at Rainbow is relatively late, starting in mid-June. However, its duration is in line with other annual chrysanthemums, continuing until October.
Helios
Helios (Chrysanthemum Helios) is an annual crop that is as decorative as most perennials. It makes a very impressive impression due to the unusual shape of the petals. It is a typical representative of crown chrysanthemums. It reaches a height of 80-90 cm, the diameter of the flowering part is up to 12 cm. All Helios petals are bent inside the flower.
The peculiarity of the variety is the gradual opening of the petals and the change in their color during the flowering period, which lasts more than two weeks.
Most often, the color of this variety is red-gold, but there are both yellow and orange specimens. The end of Helios flowering occurs at the first frost.
Planting and caring for annual chrysanthemums
Annual chrysanthemums are very easy to grow. With minimal care and attention from the grower, very good results can be obtained. The cultivation of annual chrysanthemums can be done almost throughout the temperate climate.
Selection and preparation of the landing site
It is recommended to plant annual chrysanthemums in sunny areas, protected from the north wind. Soil preparation begins in the fall of last year. To do this, fertilizers should be added to it – up to 50 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium sulfate per square meter. m.
The site is carefully dug up and watered. In the spring, after the snow melts, it is advisable to apply rotted manure on it. Then dig the site again.
Rules of landing
The easiest way to grow is direct planting of seeds in the ground. You can also use seedlings. Whether it is necessary or not, each grower decides for himself. In the southern regions, this will give an advantage of a maximum of two weeks (very rarely three). In the north, thanks to this method of cultivation, you can accurately guess the timing of planting in order to achieve flowering literally 10-15 days after it.
In any case, the algorithm for planting and growing young plants is approximately the same. Furrows up to 5 mm deep are made on the plot, in which seeds are planted in increments of 20 cm. When planting seedlings, they are placed in a square way 5 by 5 cm.
Next, the grooves are covered with earth, watered and covered with plastic wrap. Remove the film (both in the garden and at home) as soon as the first shoots appear. This usually happens within 1-2 weeks.
After 10 days, annual chrysanthemums should be fed with Ideal or Flower fertilizer. As soon as the height of the plants reaches 10-12 cm, they are thinned out (in the case of planting in the garden). If seedling cultivation was used, then bushes can already be planted in open ground.
Watering and top dressing
Watering is carried out as needed. As soon as the top layer of soil is covered with a crust, it is loosened, and at the end of the procedure it is watered with warm settled water. Watering should be done only in the evening. Sprinkling is allowed, but it should not be overused, especially in humid climates.
Top dressing is carried out regularly from the moment of flowering. The frequency of fertilization is once every 3-4 weeks. Use complex universal fertilizer for ornamental plants.
Reproduction of annual chrysanthemums
Unlike perennial chrysanthemums, which are propagated mainly vegetatively, annuals are bred using the seed method. This is a fairly simple process, and anyone can handle it.
As soon as flowering on a particular peduncle ends, a small seed box is formed there. It ripens within 1-1,5 months, after which it is cut and sent to dry.
To do this, the seeds are placed on a wooden surface or in a small chintz bag and hung in a ventilated room without access to light. Drying time is about 2-3 weeks. After that, the seeds can be stored for 2 years with virtually no loss of germination. In the third year, it drops to 50-60%.
Diseases and pests of annual chrysanthemums
As an ornamental plant with a very versatile breeding history, annual chrysanthemums can be susceptible to a wide range of diseases. Manifestations of fungal infections for such flowers are practically the norm.
The most common disease is gray mold. The symptomatology of the disease is standard – the appearance of small local brown formations resembling mold.
The defeat of gray rot begins with young leaves located closer to the top.
There is no treatment. If even a small part of the plant is affected, it should be removed from the soil and burned. In addition, disinfection of the place where the bush grew is recommended. It can be made with any copper-containing preparation.
Preventive measures include the timely disinfection of planting material, as well as garden tools.
Aphids are of particular danger to the plant. Usually, annual chrysanthemums are affected by either white greenhouse or brown chrysanthemum aphids. From the point of view of the negative impact of the possible consequences and methods of struggle, these two insects are completely identical. All differences are only in appearance.
The white greenhouse aphid likes to hide under the surface of the leaves.
To get rid of aphids on annual chrysanthemums, it is enough to treat the bushes with a solution of copper sulfate and soap in water (200 g, 20 g and 10 l, respectively). This can be done with a sprayer. If necessary, repeat after 1-2 weeks.
Photo of annual chrysanthemums
The photo below shows various ways to use annual chrysanthemums in garden design:
Mostly annual chrysanthemums are used as a filler for mixborders.
Low-growing varieties (e.g. Kamina Red) when densely planted act as cover plants
Often annual chrysanthemums are grown in pots and flowerpots.
In flowerbeds, these plants mainly fill areas of medium and low level.
Annual cut chrysanthemums can be obtained in pots at almost any time of the year.
Conclusion
Chrysanthemum annual is a beautiful and long-flowering plant, which is the closest relative of asters. Unlike perennial varieties, this crop is unpretentious in care, relatively resistant to disease and can tolerate long periods of cold snap. In landscape design, annual chrysanthemums are mainly used as plants of the lower and middle tiers.
