ON THE CHRYSANTHEMUM 105 



shoots off when three inches long, and put them in small 

 pots containing sandy soil. Early struck plants for pot 

 culture should be kept as cool as possible, and not be 

 repotted until the roots show freely at the drainage hole. 

 Directly they are repotted they call for nearly double 

 the space which they required before, and that is a 

 serious matter for amateurs with very little glass. The 

 plants may be shifted from a three-inch to a five-inch 

 pot. Use more loam and less leaf mould than for 

 cuttings. Give plenty of air to young rooted plants in 

 fine weather, and water only to prevent flagging. 



March. Cuttings of outdoor plants may be struck in 

 any desired quantity this month. If cuttings are being 

 bought, they may be procured about the middle of the 

 month. Young pot plants which have not been repotted 

 are certain to need a shift. They may go on to a bed of 

 ashes in a frame at the end of the month, but a mat 

 should be kept handy to throw over the light in case of 

 severe frost. Ventilate freely in fine weather. More 

 water will be needed as growth becomes more active. 



April. Complete the propagation of garden varieties. 

 Prepare the beds and borders, and plant strong rooted 

 plants from earlier cuttings out. If they have been 

 grown in an unheated frame they will be hardy 

 enough to withstand any frost which is likely to come 

 now. If the position is exposed to cold winds, some 

 temporary shelter can be devised in stormy spells. Pot 

 plants in frames will be growing fast, and must have 

 water when the soil is dry. Take the lights right off the 

 frames in fine weather. Late-struck plants may be put 

 into five-inch pots. The tips may be pinched off if bushy 

 plants are wanted. 



May. Complete the planting out. As the weather 

 may be hot and dry, take care to give a good soaking of 



