20 BOOK OF THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 



THE FIRST BREAK 



This term is used when a plant shows its first flower- 

 bud, which usually takes place during the month of 

 May. Some may show buds earlier than this much 

 depends on the vigour of the plant variety, locality, and 

 other causes : no definite time can be stated. 



The bud must be immediately removed. This will 

 cause the plant to throw out side growths. Three of 

 these may be selected to remain, and all the others removed 

 by pinching out. Should the plant be somewhat tall and 

 inclined to thinness when showing its flower-bud, a 

 portion of the top may be removed at the same time ; 

 this will make the plant a little dwarfer, and the side 

 growths will be equally as strong as those taken from 

 the very top of the plant. Always choose the three 

 strongest growths and likeliest looking. These should 

 be tied to a stake inserted in the pot, when long enough. 

 To leave them without support is only courting disaster, 

 as they are very liable to be broken off with the wind or 

 other causes. 



Should a plant fail to show a bud by the middle of 

 June, or even a little earlier than this, I would suggest 

 removing its point. This will cause it to throw forth 

 its side growths. 



To let it run up on a single stem only means one 

 bloom, whereas when three or more growths are taken 

 up, it means the corresponding number of blooms later. 



Of course I am referring to plants grown for large 

 blooms, by keeping to three growths. Other varieties, 

 as the Singles, Pompons, and Decorative, may have most 

 of their side growths left. This will cause them to 

 develop into bushy little plants right away, and their 

 growths may be regulated later by pinching and staking 

 out, and flower buds removed if too numerous, at the 

 proper time. 



