16 SMITH'S CHRYSANTHEMUM MANUAL 



Grafting There are two objects in grafting chrysanthemums, first, 

 to increase the vitality of weak growing varieties by grafting upon strong 

 kinds. Second, to display a number of varieties on one plant at the same 

 time. To the experienced gardener this art is of little or no interest, but 

 to the novice there is something wonderful in the sight of a plant having 

 a dozen or more distinct varieties flowering simultaneously. Such plants 

 attract 'a great deal of attention at the exhibitions. 



Where it is the desire to increase the vitality, cuttings are struck in 

 the autumn or winter months, and grown on in a cold greenhouse until 

 early spring. These are used as stock upon which to graft, and should 

 be done in March or April. Select scions from the weak growing kinds 

 and cut the end in the form of a wedge. After cutting out the top of the 

 stock an inch or so above the ground, make a slit an inch in depth in the 

 stump and insert the wedge shaped scion, tying securely in place with 

 raffia or light cotton yarn. 



It is necessary that the wood of both stock and scion be in a half- 

 ripened condition, reasonably firm, and if possible have both the same 

 size. In case it is impossible to find scions of the same diameter as the 

 stock, the scion should be set to one side of the incision so that the bark 

 of both will be even on one side. A moist, warm corner of the greenhouse 

 or any place where a close atmosphere can be maintained for a few days 

 will be necessary to insure their uniting. If the weather is warm and the 

 sun very bright it is sometimes advisable to shade the planes to prevent, 

 scion from wilting, and occasionally sphagnum moss is wrapped around 

 the union and the foliage moistened to prevent to rapid evaporation. As 

 soon as the scions become established, which is generally in the course 

 of eight or ten days, the tying material can be removed and the plants 

 given more air, receiving the same care and attention as other plants. 



For grafted specimens it is important that all the varieties should 

 flower at the same time, and to secure maximum effect some thought 

 should be given to arrangement of the colors. The most showy specimens 

 are produced by grafting upon strong growing standards, using one variety 

 to each shoot. All lateral growths or breaks starting out of the stock 

 should be removed as fast as they appear. 



In Open Border Most of the previous forms of plants may be grown 

 in the open border with fairly good success. The essential points are 

 that they be planted on light soil which permits of their being taken up 

 without breaking away too many roots. If large specimen plants are to 

 be treated this way, ample space must be given so they do not become 

 crowded, and afford the operator room to attend to stopping, etc. 



The lifting and potting should be done not later than August 15th, 

 s;o that the plants will become well established in their new quarters be- 

 fore buds are formed. After potting it is necessary they have a copious 

 watering and be set in a sheltered place out of the sun and strong drafts 

 as much as possible. An old shed that will afford some light is a very 

 suitable place. 



From this time on little water will be required at the root until they 



