Select a suitable location
Correct maintenance naturally also includes the right location. Many chrysanthemums only open their flower buds when the days and nights are about the same length in autumn. This means that the plants need at least four hours of sun a day. So choose a location that is as bright as possible, but without constantly exposing the plant to full sun. In particular, the intense midday sun should be avoided. On the other hand, light-shaded to partially shaded locations are optimal - a balcony that faces west or east would be perfect.
also read
- Wintering chrysanthemums on the balcony
- Chrysanthemums in pots - how to properly maintain the splendor of autumn flowers
- Chrysanthemums - properly caring for young plants
Watering and fertilizing
Chrysanthemums are among the heavy eaters. This means that the perennial must not dry out and should also be regularly supplied with a good liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. While compost is usually sufficient for planted chrysanthemums, potted chrysanthemums absolutely need mineral, quickly available fertilizer - liquid fertilizer is ideal for this purpose. Fertilize the plant about every two weeks during the growing season. However, stop giving at the end of August at the latest to prepare the chrysanthemums for hibernation.
To cut
Actually, the chrysanthemum does not have to be cut. However, withered inflorescences - they turn brown - quickly look unsightly. In addition, you can extend the flowering time of the plant with a cut - many a balcony gardener has already managed to get his chrysanthemums in a protected location to bloom at Christmas time. It is therefore an advantage to cut off what has faded immediately. But be careful! The new buds are already developing under the withered heads, it is better not to cut them off - otherwise the next flower will fail.
Overwinter
How you overwinter your chrysanthemums on the balcony depends primarily on the variety. Not all chrysanthemum varieties are hardy. You can overwinter hardy chrysanthemums on the balcony with the appropriate protection. To do this, wrap the planter with a jute sack (€ 8.28 at Amazon *) or a fleece and cover the substrate surface with fir or spruce branches. Chrysanthemums that are not hardy, however, overwinter under cold house conditions inside the house.
Tips & Tricks
Chrysanthemums need a lot of water, but they don't like waterlogging. So you have to pay attention to a very good drainage with a tub planting, which is created by loose substrate and an open drain. Clay balls (€ 20.95 at Amazon *) or similar as the bottom layer of the pot also allow excess water to drain off quickly, so a drainage hole in the bottom of the planter is essential.
