Kaifeng Chrysanthemums

Kaifeng Chrysanthemums

Kaifeng chrysanthemums are an agricultural product geographical indication.

　　  Agricultural Product Geographical Indication Registered Product: Kaifeng Chrysanthemums

　　  Applicant: Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Association

　　  Registration Certificate No.: AGI00164

　　  Kaifeng chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of species and rich shapes, with full and well-proportioned plant structures, neat flower heads, uniform blossoms, deep green and thick leaves, vibrant and diverse colors, and a multitude of postures. The widespread use of grafting, potting, and hormone techniques results in robust plants of consistent height, free from pests and diseases. Additionally, the application of light control has enabled chrysanthemums to break free from their autumn-only blooming cycle, allowing them to flower all year round. Kaifeng chrysanthemums are characterized by their robust growth, pest and disease resistance, uniform plant structure, large and vividly colored blooms, rich variety, transportability, long flowering period, and highly realistic and diverse shapes.

　　  Geographical Scope

　　  As the main cultivated flower in Kaifeng, chrysanthemums are widely planted around the city but are relatively scattered. Key planting areas include Kuizhuang Village in Nanjiao Township, Caitun in Xijiao Township, Sunlitang Village in Longting District, as well as the flower nurseries in Longting Park, Iron Pagoda Park, and Bianjing Park, covering a total area of 2,500 mu. The geographical coordinates are between 114°17′–114°27′ east longitude and 34°45′–34°48′ north latitude.

　　  Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic Historical Factors

　　  Kaifeng is located on the Huang-Huai Plain, with a geological structure consisting of Quaternary sedimentary layers. The terrain slopes from northwest to southeast, with an average elevation below 80 meters. The soil is predominantly loamy and sandy loam, accounting for about 75%, while sandy soil and saline-alkali soil make up about 11%. The northwest region has more sand dunes. The area has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons and large diurnal temperature variations. The annual humidity coefficient is 0.7–1.0, with an annual precipitation of 634 mm, a frost-free period of 187 days, and prevailing southeast winds in summer and autumn, and northeast winds in winter and spring. Bordered by the Yellow River to the north, the area has abundant groundwater resources, and the climate and soil conditions are very suitable for chrysanthemum cultivation.

　　  (1) Soil and Topography: The chrysanthemum cultivation area is situated on the Huang-Huai Plain, with a geological structure of Quaternary sedimentary layers. The terrain slopes from northwest to southeast, with an average elevation below 80 meters. The soil is predominantly loamy and sandy loam, accounting for about 75%, while sandy soil and saline-alkali soil make up about 11%, with a pH value between 7–8. The soil is fertile, and there are many sand dunes in the northwest.

　　  (2) Water Resources: The cultivation areas are rich in groundwater with shallow water tables. Since the Yellow River Irrigation Canal passes through Xijiao Township, water supply and drainage are relatively convenient in this area.

　　  (3) Climate: Kaifeng has a continental monsoon climate with distinct seasons, an average annual temperature of 14°C, and an average annual rainfall of 670 mm.

　　  Atmospheric Pressure: 107.51 Kpa; Temperature: Long-term average annual temperature is 13.24°C, with an average of -0.5°C in January and 27.1°C in July; Wind Direction: NEN frequency 12.75%, N frequency 12.04%, SSW.S frequency 9.97%, C frequency 100.85%, average wind speed 4.5 m/s, wind pressure 35 kg/㎡; Precipitation: Long-term average annual precipitation is 634.9 mm, maximum precipitation 260 mm, January precipitation 7.5 mm, July precipitation 156.5 mm; Evaporation: Long-term average annual evaporation is 1925.3 mm, January average evaporation 62.1 mm, June average evaporation 331.5 mm; Humidity: Absolute humidity 1.98 mm, relative humidity 79%; Maximum depth of frozen soil: 29 cm; Maximum snow accumulation: 35 cm, maximum snow pressure: 20 kg/㎡; Average number of sandstorm days: 9.3, average number of thunderstorm days: 23.

　　  (4) Humanistic History: Located in the Central Plains, Kaifeng has climate and soil conditions highly suitable for chrysanthemum growth. Chrysanthemum cultivation dates back to the Warring States Period, and during the Tang Dynasty, with the revival of Kaifeng, chrysanthemums were widely planted and appreciated. In the Northern Song Dynasty, when Kaifeng was the capital, chrysanthemum cultivation and appreciation reached their peak, with significant advancements in both variety and quantity as well as cultivation techniques. After centuries of cultivation—especially rapid development in recent decades—Kaifeng now has over 1,500 varieties of chrysanthemums, with continuously improving cultivation skills and a rich chrysanthemum culture. In May 1983, the Kaifeng Municipal People's Congress decided to designate the chrysanthemum as the city flower of Kaifeng and established an annual chrysanthemum festival. To date, Kaifeng has held 25 chrysanthemum festivals, which have evolved from a municipal to a provincial-level event, attracting large numbers of tourists each year. Kaifeng’s chrysanthemum cultivation techniques have become increasingly refined, often winning top awards in national competitions. Notably, at the 1999 Kunming World Expo, Kaifeng chrysanthemums won 2 grand prizes, 11 gold medals, 8 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals, solidifying their reputation as the finest in the world.