Selling Size : Bushy Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
The Yellow Chrysanthemum, known regionally as Jamanthi or Shevanti, is a popular, vibrant flowering plant. To ensure prolific blooms and a healthy, bushy plant, specific care is needed.
Here is a comprehensive guide to caring for your Yellow Chrysanthemum (Jamanthi) :
1. Sunlight Requirements
Full Sun is Best: Chrysanthemums thrive in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for strong growth and abundant flowering.
Too Little Sun: Insufficient light will lead to weak, leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Hot Summers: In areas with very intense summer heat (especially common in tropical and subtropical regions where Jamanthi is popular), provide some afternoon shade to prevent the flowers and leaves from scorching.
2. Watering
Consistent Moisture: Chrysanthemums need consistent and regular watering, especially during the main growing season and when in flower. They do not like to dry out completely.
Well-Draining Soil is Key: While they like moisture, they will quickly suffer from root rot if the soil is waterlogged. Always ensure the pot or planting area has excellent drainage.
Watering Method: Water the soil directly at the base of the plant. Avoid watering the foliage and flowers, as wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases like rust and powdery mildew.
Frequency: Check the soil a few inches down; if it feels dry, it's time to water thoroughly. Potted plants will generally need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
3. Soil and Potting
Soil Type: Use fertile, rich soil that is well-drained. Sandy loam soil enriched with organic matter (like compost or well-rotted manure) is ideal.
Potting: If planting in a container, choose a pot with multiple drainage holes. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand/coco peat (e.g., 40% Sand, 40% Compost, 20% Soil) is often recommended locally for excellent drainage and nutrition.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.
4. Pruning and Pinching (Crucial for Bushiness)
Regular pruning is the secret to a dense plant with numerous flowers.
Pinching: This technique encourages the plant to branch out. When new shoots are about 3 to 4 inches (8−10 cm) tall, pinch off the top 1 inch (2.5 cm), leaving 2-3 leaves on the shoot.
Timing: Continue pinching every 2-3 weeks from spring until mid-summer (or until the flower buds start to appear). Stop pinching once buds begin to form, as any further pinching will remove the developing flowers.
Deadheading: Regularly remove (deadhead) spent or faded flowers by snipping them off. This neatens the plant, prevents it from putting energy into seed production, and encourages more blooming.
Post-Bloom Pruning: After the main blooming period is over, you can prune the plant back to about 6 to 8 inches (15−20 cm) tall.
5. Fertilization
Chrysanthemums are considered "heavy feeders" and benefit from a two-stage feeding program:
Growth Stage (Spring/Early Summer): Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., cow manure, nitrogen-rich liquid feed) to encourage lush, healthy foliage and stem growth. Apply monthly.
Bud/Flowering Stage (Late Summer/Fall): Once the flower buds appear, switch to a high-potassium (high-K) or bloom-boosting fertilizer (e.g., tomato fertilizer, bone meal, or a 5-10-10 formulation). Stop adding nitrogen fertilizer at this time, as too much nitrogen will promote leaf growth instead of flower production.
Organic Option: Many gardeners use a monthly application of well-rotted cow manure or mustard cake liquid fertilizer during the growing phase.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Pests: Look out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips, especially on new growth.
Treatment: A weekly spray of neem oil or an insecticidal soap can manage most infestations. For severe issues, use an appropriate organic or chemical pesticide.
Disease: Fungal issues (like rust) are common if leaves stay wet. Water at the base, ensure good air circulation (don't crowd plants), and remove any affected leaves immediately.
