Learn how to keep your chrysanthemums looking fresh and beautiful with these simple tips. Perfect for any flower lover!
Are you looking to add a touch of color to your home or a gift for someone special? Look no further than beautiful chrysanthemums! These blooms come in a wide range of colors and shapes and are perfect in all types of floral arrangements.
With their delicate petals and unique forms, they are sure to draw the eye of anyone who sees them.
But to keep your chrysanthemums looking their best, it’s essential to provide proper care and handling. Luckily, that’s easy to do if you follow these essential chrysanthemum cut flower care tips.
Chrysanthemums: Their Origin, Meaning, and Uses
Did you know that chrysanthemums, aka “mums,” symbolize happiness, health, and well-being in the language of flowers?
While chrysanthemums are not China or Japan’s official flower, their origins trace back there to the 15th century BCE, when they were cultivated for their medicinal properties and ornamental value.
The flower is, however, deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, appearing on everything from the imperial crest to currency.
Brought over from China by Dutch traders, chrysanthemums were first introduced in Europe in the 17th century and have been gracing European gardens ever since. So these charming flowers are not exactly the “new kid on the block.”
They are also the November birth month flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower, and classic Homecoming flowers, making chrysanthemums the quintessential fall flower.
While primarily thought of as autumn flowers, chrysanthemums grown for cut flower use are available year-round. They come in many different forms, including cremones, disbuds, spiders, spray mums, and micro-spray mums, each with its own unique shape and size.
Chrysanthemums come in various colors and shades, including white, yellow, lavender, bronze, and burgundy. They can be combined with almost any other flower, making them a versatile staple for any floral design.
For years, we’ve featured assorted chrysanthemum arrangements like this in our shop for pick-up and delivery. Despite mums being viewed as cheap, grocery-store flowers by some, chrysanthemums represent 15% of all cut flowers sold worldwide today, second only to roses.
Some of the newer varieties are likely responsible for these numbers, like the Santini poms pictured below. I know that they are very popular with many of our customers.
Care and Handling Tips
Chrysanthemums are hardy and forgiving cut flowers, but you can do a few things to enhance the longevity of your vibrant blooms.
Start by ensuring your containers and tools are clean and free from contaminants before handling them. This will prevent the spread of bacteria and fungi that could potentially harm the flowers.
When preparing your chrysanthemums for display, remove any wrapping, recut the stems at a 45-degree angle using a clean knife, and remove any foliage that would be submerged in water. This will allow the flowers to take up water more easily and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
To keep your chrysanthemums fresh and healthy, use a clean vase and fill it with fresh water. Upon arrival at the shop, we use warm water when conditioning them. Make sure to add the right amount of flower food to the water and mix well according to the directions on the packet.
Position your vase in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, hot or cold drafts, and ripening fruit or vegetables. Top up the vase with fresh, clean water and flower food as required to ensure that your blooms stay hydrated and nourished.
With proper care, your chrysanthemums’ vase life can last for over two weeks, giving you ample time to enjoy their beauty.
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Til next time,
