How to take a cutting from a chrysanthemum? Our illustrated tutorial!

Long considered the symbolic plant of All Saints' Day, the Chrysanthemum is no longer confined to cemetery displays! With its single daisy-like flowers or perfectly round pompons (the famous "pomponettes"!), it captivates us with an autumn flowering that shines brilliantly until the first frosts. If you're particularly fond of it, why not try propagating it to obtain vigorous young plants? Chrysanthemum cuttings are easy to succeed with!

Discover when and how to take chrysanthemum cuttings very easily, thanks to our illustrated tutorial.

chrysanthemum propagation by cuttings

When to take chrysanthemum cuttings?

Taking chrysanthemum cuttings will allow you to obtain fresh, vigorous new plants identical to the parent plant, which loses vigour after a few years. Chrysanthemum propagation by cuttings is done in early spring around April-May, on green shoots, creating what we call herbaceous cuttings.

Required equipment

To take your chrysanthemum cuttings, equip yourself with:

a tray or buckets (our buckets made from plant fibres are 100% natural and biodegradable!)
a pencil to make holes in the compost without breaking the cuttings
a sharp secateurs previously disinfected with alcohol to prevent disease spread
a mini greenhouse or plastic bag
a spray bottle

How to take chrysanthemum cuttings using the bagging method?

The secret to successful cuttings is keeping the substrate sufficiently moist: it should never dry out nor be waterlogged. It's preferable to let it dry slightly between waterings.

Prepare small buckets, a greenhouse with biodegradable growing kit or a tray at least 10 cm deep filled with an equal mix of seed compost and sand;
Moisten this substrate well;
Choose healthy, green, vigorous shoot tips;

Select shoots for propagation on the parent plant and take cuttings about 10-15 cm long

Using secateurs, take cuttings from your "parent plant" - the tips of young green leafy shoots, 10 to 15 cm long. They should have about ten leaves. Cut below a node;
Recut the cuttings just below a leaf, and remove all leaves from the lower half of the cutting (preparation). Be careful not to damage the stems as these young shoots are brittle;

Prepare the cutting, make a hole in the compost then place the cutting in it

Reduce the upper leaves by half to limit evaporation;
To encourage root growth, optionally dip the base of the stems in plant hormone for cuttings;
With the pencil, make holes in the compost then insert the cuttings so the leafless base is well buried;
Firm down and water lightly;
Place the cuttings in a mini-greenhouse with lid closed or more simply under a plastic bag to create a warm, humid atmosphere conducive to root development;

Water then cover the cutting with clear plastic held by 3 small sticks and an elastic band to maintain humidity

Place your cuttings in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight, ideally heated between 16 and 18°C;
Ventilate occasionally to allow air circulation and prevent mould;
Water as often as needed to keep the substrate moist;
Cuttings show signs of success after about 3 weeks;
Pot on when they reach 12 cm and keep them warm for their first winter;
Planting in open ground or pots can be done the following spring;
Pinch them to encourage the formation of flowering branches.