History of Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums also referred to as mums or chrysanths are flowering plants of the genus chrysanthemum that belong to the family Asteraceae. These blooms are native to Asia and north-eastern Europe. Most of these species originated from East Asia, and their centre of diversity is China. There are innumerable horticultural varieties and cultivars of this flower. Chrysanthemum gets its name from the Ancient Greek words ''chrysos'' and ''anthemon'' which mean gold and flower respectively.

These flowering plants were first cultivated in the 15 century BC in China. From then approximately 500 cultivars were recorded by the year 1630. Chrysanthemums are recognised as one of the "Four Gentlemen" in Chinese and East Asian art. In Japan, the emperor adopted this flower as his official seal in the 8th century AD. This flower is so important to the Japanese that the "Festival of Happiness" in the country celebrates this flower. Americans witnessed the entry of chrysanthemums in 1798 when the flower's cultivated variety known as "Dark Purple" was imported from England by Colonel John Stevens.

Different Uses of Chrysanthemums Today

In some parts of Asia, a beverage known as chrysanthemum tea is prepared using yellow and white flowers of the species "C. morifolium." In Korea, a rice wine called "gukhwaju" is flavoured with chrysanthemum flowers. In Chinese cuisine, chrysanthemum leaves are steamed or boiled and used as greens. Many times, flowers are added to dishes such as ''Mixian'' in broth or thick snake meat soup to enhance the aroma. In Japan, small chrysanthemums are used as ''Sashimi'' garnish.

Dried flower heads of chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and chrysanthemum coccineum are used as natural insecticide called Pyrethrum. The dried flowers are powdered, and the active components, called Pyrethrins, which are found in the achenes of the flower, are extracted and sold in the form of an oleoresin. This extract is used as a suspension in water or oil, or as a powder. Pyrethrins act by attacking the nervous systems of all insects and inhibiting female mosquitoes from biting. They are also effective insect repellent when used as sublethal doses. Other than fishes, Pyrethrins are least harmful to mammals and birds than other synthetic insecticides. This insecticide is biodegradable and decomposes easily on exposure to light.

NASA Clean Air Study has stated that chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution.

Varieties of Chrysanthemums in Nature

There are approximately hundreds of types of chrysanthemums that vary in height, spread, colour, size, bloom time and type of bloom. These floral beauties are also divided into hardy garden mums and non-hardy flowers or show mums. Some of the most common types of these blooms are:

Long petals that resemble daisy are single blooms.

Large flower with many rows of petals, which often curl toward the centre are decorative mums.

Suitably named for its medium-sized structure, cushion-shaped blossom look bountiful.

Anemone is also cushion-shaped, but with the centre covered by shorter petals of a darker colour.

Small and firm globe of tight petals that are called ''buttons'' are pompon chrysanthemums.

Long and straight tube-shaped petals are quill mums.

Petals with curved ends that are long and tube-shaped are known as spider chrysanthemums.

Flatter blooms with rows of spoon-shaped petals are spoon mums.

Growing Conditions for Garden Chrysanths

For the home garden, some of the most common hardy types of mums are anemone, cushion, decorative, and single varieties. Most chrysanthemums can be grown very easily, but show-quality and non-hardy blooms require a lot of care.

Light

Carnations require full early sun at least 5-6 hours daily.

These blooms are vulnerable to mildew, so make sure that the plants remain dry, always. Give them plenty of air circulation, water drainage, and morning sun to dry the dew on the leaves and stems. Never plant in low-lying, wet, compressed, or boxed-in areas with insignificant air circulation. Avoid planting them near streetlights or other nighttime light sources.

These blooms require fertile, well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH around 6.5.

Chrysanthemums are tough enough to thrive on their own, but they prosper from light and regular feeding along with the application of balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Planting Chrysanthemums

Ideally, chrysanthemums should be planted in the spring. Plant them before 6 weeks before extreme conditions so that they are rooted perfectly before encountering extreme hot or freezing weather.

Choose bushy chrysanthemum plants with plenty of leafy stems branching out at the base. Dig a hole in the ground twice the size of the root ball, and incorporate organic matter like compost or peat to help with drainage. Plant at the same depth as they were in the pot. Avoid water collection around the stems. Plants must be spaced 18-24 inches apart.

Install support structures such as stakes or garden fencing for larger varieties and avoid walking in mum beds to avoid compacting the soil.

Pruning Chrysanthemums

Pinch off the tips of the plants to encourage bushiness and flowering when plants are six inches tall. Pinch again when the plant is a foot taller. The last pinching should be about 100 days before the flowers start blooming again.

Proliferating Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums can be proliferated in three ways, i.e. from seeds, cuttings, or plant division. Here one must note that some chrysanthemum hybrids are patented and cannot be propagated without permission. This information is usually indicated on the plant label.

Chrysanthemums like being divided and the new clumps grow better than old, crowded ones. When shoots are 1'' to 3'' tall, dig them up and carefully pull or cut apart. Throw away half-dead or overly woody parts, and pick only the healthy divisions. Add phosphorus to the planting hole with organic matter. Divide chrysanthemums every 3-5 years and relocate to reduce disease in them.

To proliferate from cuttings, cut a piece about 4''- 6'' in length, and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Dip chrysanthemum stem in rooting hormone and insert about 1'' into vermiculite, sand, or sphagnum moss. Create a mini-greenhouse of your own using a wire frame and plastic wrap, and place the plants under bright light (not sunlight) until the plant roots.

To propagate from seed, keep the planting medium at 70-75 degrees, and seeds should germinate in 1-3 weeks. Avoid harsh climates like snow, rains or heat. Grow indoors if the climate is not suitable outside.

Flower of Virgos

Chrysanthemums are one of the flowers associated with Virgos. So if you wish to send your best wishes for a dear one on birthdays, then pick a bouquet of these floral beauties and enliven their most important day. They look wonderful when mixed with larger blooms of various colours and tidy greenery.