34 



SMITH'S CHRYSANTHEMUM MANUAL 



Fig. 11 shows the crown bud as they appear on the plant with 

 the lateral growths. If we de- 

 cide to save the crown bud, re- 

 move all laterals so it will ap- 

 pear like Fig. 12, and if a later 

 bud is preferred remove the 

 crown and all laterals but one, 

 as shown in Fig. 13. The 

 lateral retained will give a bud 

 later. It may be a second crown 

 or terminal, depending largely 

 upon the date of this operation. 

 After the lateral growths are 

 removed, the energy of the plant 

 will be directed to the bud which 

 begins to expand. Should the 

 buds appear a fetw days too 

 early, remove the laterals grad- 

 ually, day by day, completing 

 the operation on the best date. 

 In this way the buds may be hel ( 

 I in check without injury ; alt ho 

 gh would not advise retarding tl 



FIG. 14. TERMINALS AS THEY APPEAR. 



iem longer than eight or ten days. 



FIG. 15. TERMINAL AFTER BEING 

 DISKUDDED. 



When terminal (Cluster bud) 

 is desired remove the crown, 

 allowing one of the lateral 

 growths which surround it to re- 

 main. In the course of a few 

 weeks this growth will have at- 

 tained some length and show a 

 cluster of buds. When well ad- 

 vanced it will be noticed that 

 there is one at the apex of the 

 stem and one at each of the leaf 

 axils, as shown in Fig. 14. 



If the center or apex bud ap- 

 pears perfect, retain it by re- 

 moving all others with the 

 thumb and finger. This opera- 

 tion is termed "disbudding" anil 

 should be done as soon as buds 

 are of sufficient size to do the 

 work without injuring the one 

 retained. Should the center onfe 

 be imperfect or injured from 

 any cause, save the next best. 

 See Fig. 15. 



