Monica Bennett named after the notable author who authored the Encyclopaedia of Chrysanthemums, published in 1958, which offers comprehensive insights into various chrysanthemum species and cultivation techniques. Monica Bennett Chrysanthemum is something special with her unusaual petal formation and delightful colouring. Certaining one for interest sake. A great performer in the garden and cutting garden.
Suitable For: Cut flowers, garden displays, and exhibitions
Growing Options: Can be grown in the ground or in pots
Suitable For: Cut flowers, garden displays, and exhibitions
Growing Options: Can be grown in the ground or in pots
- Type: Monica Bennett (exhibition variety)
- Bloom Size: Large (often 15–20 cm across)
- Colour: Soft Pearly Pink
- Growth Habit: Upright, strong stems with bushy foliage
- Flowering Period: Late autumn (April–May)
- Light: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours per day) to encourage strong growth.
- Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
- Spacing: Plant 30–45 cm apart to promote airflow and reduce disease risk.
- Watering:
- Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Water at the base of the plant to prevent mildew.
- Feeding:
- Early growth: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage strong stem and leaf development.
- Mid-season: Use a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10).
- Budding stage: Switch to a high-potassium fertilizer to enhance bloom quality and colour.
- Pinching:
- Remove the growing tips when plants reach 15 cm tall to encourage bushier growth.
- Do the last cutback by the 20th of January
- Disbudding:
- To produce larger exhibition-quality blooms, remove all side buds, leaving only one bud per stem.
- Use sturdy stakes or a grow-through support system, as large incurved blooms can be top-heavy.
- Pests: Watch for aphids, thrips, and spider mites—treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Diseases: Powdery mildew and botrytis can affect chrysanthemums—ensure good airflow and avoid wetting the leaves.
- Timing:
- Adjust pinching and feeding schedules to ensure blooms peak at the right time for shows.
- Shading: Light shading in late summer can help delay blooming if needed for competition timing.