CUT-FLOWER CROPS 261 



bench four feet wide, this would mean five rows. Some 

 of the varieties which have small leaves may be planted 

 more closely, while stronger growing forms should be 

 given more space. Many varieties when grown to single 

 stems may be planted nine inches between rows, and 

 six inches apart in the row. Where two or more 

 flowers are grown .to a plant, they should be put at least 

 nine inches by ten inches apart. The benches should 

 be marked off carefully to get the rows straight. This is 

 necessary on account of the wires which are later used for 

 supports. In transplanting it is very essential that the 

 plant should not be set too deeply, but may be a little 

 deeper than it was in the pot, and the ball of earth 

 should be broken slightly. To aid in giving the plants 

 sufficient water, a depression in the soil around each plant 

 should be made. If the plants are being grown for com- 

 mercial purposes, they should be set in the benches by 

 the end of June. 



328. Watering. The first time that the plants are 

 watered in the benches, it is advisable to water only around 

 each individual plant. After they are well established, 

 the entire bed may be watered with safety. 



Moisture conditions of the soil should be kept as uniform 

 as possible. Drying out of the soil checks the growth 

 and causes the wood to harden, a condition which is very 

 undesirable in chrysanthemums. Too much soil water 

 causes the leaves to turn yellow and the plants to look 

 sickly. Some growers prefer to water altogether from 

 overhead, until the flowers begin to expand. This helps to 

 hold insects in check. Others think it is better to water 

 the surface of the soil. 



329. Syringing. The plants should be syringed every 

 bright day, often two or three times a day during the sum- 



