CUT-FLOWER CROPS 259 



close together, in flats. They are then placed in a light 

 house where the temperature averages about 40 until 

 such a time as the cuttings are to be taken. This prevents 

 disease and keeps insects in check. The stock plants 

 should be fumigated frequently with cyanide of potassium, 

 to keep the aphis in check. 



The cuttings should be two or three inches long. The 

 stem should be thick and firm, and have several joints. 

 Plants from spindling cuttings are rarely vigorous. Cut- 

 tings should form a good root system in three weeks, and 

 if this is not accomplished, they are worthless. A plant, 

 stunted in growth in the cutting bench, seldom recovers. 

 A bottom heat of 60 and a house temperature of 50 suits 

 them well. 



323. Potting chrysanthemum cuttings. As soon as 

 cuttings have roots about half an inch long, they should be 

 potted in two and one-quarter- or two and one-half-inch 

 pots. It is a great mistake to allow cuttings to remain in 

 the sand after they begin to grow. There is no nourish- 

 ment in the sand ; it simply acts as a medium for holding 

 the moisture until the cuttings can push out roots. 



The soil for the first potting should not be made too rich. 

 A good loam, with a small percentage of rotten manure, 

 is all that is needed. When the plants are established in 

 this soil and have begun to grow nicely, all the air possible 

 should be admitted to the house night and day. 



The treatment of the cuttings from the time they are 

 rooted until it is time to plant them in the bed or bench, 

 has been given previously. 



324. Soil. The best soil for chrysanthemums is a 

 good, fibrous loam, porous enough to allow ready drainage. 

 Heavier, more clayey soil may be used, but not with as 

 good success. It is not, however, so much the character 



