Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb.
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb., also known as the hairy chrysanthemum or hairy daisy, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Eastern Asia and is commonly found in Japan, Korea, and China.
Common Names
The plant is known by several names, including hairy chrysanthemum, hairy daisy, woolly chrysanthemum, and shungiku in Japanese. In Korea, it is called ssukgat.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and has a woody base with numerous branches. The leaves are narrowly ovate, hairy, and toothed. The flowers are small and yellow, arranged in umbels, and bloom from late summer to early autumn.
Uses
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. is used in traditional medicine in Japan, Korea, and China. The plant extract has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is used to treat various ailments such as fever, cold, headache, and sore throat. In Japan, the leaves of the plant are used in cooking, particularly in salads, and also added to soups and stews.
Light requirements
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering. It requires at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers moderate temperatures, between 20-25°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. It can tolerate high temperatures, but not extreme heat or frost.
Soil requirements
The plant needs well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, but it does not grow well in poorly drained or heavy clay soils. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and fertility, allowing the plant to grow better.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. is a perennial plant that requires full sun exposure and well-draining soil to grow. The plant can tolerate light shade but will not thrive in such conditions. The ideal soil pH for growing this plant is between 6.0 and 6.5. The plant should be propagated by sowing seeds in the early spring or late summer. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and watered immediately. The plant will usually germinate within two weeks after sowing.
Watering Needs
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. The plant does not like waterlogged soil and will suffer from root rot if exposed to such conditions.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied at half the recommended strength to prevent burning the roots. The plant will also benefit from an application of compost once a year to improve the soil's fertility.
Pruning
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. requires regular pruning to promote bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. The plant should be pruned in the early spring or late fall by cutting back the top growth to about half its height. This will also help to remove any dead or diseased branches from the plant.
Propagation of Chrysanthemum Hirtum Thunb.
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb., commonly known as hairy chrysanthemum, is a perennial plant that is native to East Asia and widely grown for its beautiful flowers. The plant is easy to propagate, and several methods can be used to propagate it successfully.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the easiest and cheapest methods of propagating Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. Seeds can be harvested from the plant's flowers and immediately sown in pots. Alternatively, you can purchase seeds from a reputable seed supplier. The seeds can be sown in trays containing a well-drained soil mix and kept in a warm, bright place until they germinate. After germination, seedlings should be transplanted into pots or directly into the garden bed.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another popular method of propagating Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer. The stem cuttings should be about 8-10cm long and should be taken from a healthy plant. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Then, place the cutting in a well-drained soil mix and keep it moist until root formation.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves dividing mature plants into smaller sections. This method is best done in the spring or early autumn. First, dig up the mature plant and loosen the soil around the roots. Then, carefully divide the plant into several sections using a sharp knife or garden spade. Each divided plant should have some roots and shoots. Finally, plant the divided sections in a new location or pots.
Overall, Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. can be propagated easily with different methods. Whether you prefer seed, cutting, or division propagation, the result will be a beautiful plant that will grace your garden or indoor space.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb.
Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. is a plant that is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Therefore, it is crucial to manage these diseases and pests to ensure the healthy growth and productivity of the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can reduce the photosynthesis of the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and avoid watering the leaves.
Root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. It can lead to yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and remove infected plant material.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellowing and mottling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, spray with water, insecticidal soap, or neem oil, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the plant sap, causing deformities, spots, and discolorations on the leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, remove the affected plant material, increase air circulation, and use sticky traps or insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is essential for the healthy growth and productivity of Chrysanthemum hirtum Thunb. By taking preventive measures and promptly addressing any issues that arise, you can help your plant thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
