CHAPTER VI 

 All about Chrysanthemums 



Taking Chrysanthemum Cuttings 



Q. Will you tell me when and how to take Chrysanthemum 

 cuttings? #. If., Staines. 



A. When the plants have finished flowering let them get a little 

 dry at the roots, then cut them down to within 6 inches of the soil. 

 They should be exposed to the open air for a day or two, as this will 

 make the cuttings firm and not so likely to fail. They are best 

 struck in 3-inch pots, which should be perfectly clean and well 

 crocked to ensure thorough drainage. Fill up the pots nearly to the 

 rims with soil, and press it down firmly, and over this place a 

 sprinkling of silver sand. The strongest cuttings should be selected 

 and taken off with a sharp knife ; they should be about 3 or 4 

 inches long. Cut off a few of the lower leaves, and they will then 

 be ready for inserting in the pots. Four or five cuttings should be 

 inserted round the sides of the pots, and the soil should be pressed 

 firmly about them. This done, sprinkle them with water. If the 

 cuttings are wintered in a frame the pots should be placed on a layer 

 of ashes. Keep the frame shut up close till the cuttings have taken 

 root, then admit air on every favourable occasion to prevent them 

 from becoming drawn. During frosty weather the frame should be 

 covered over with mats. Those who have a greenhouse can winter 

 their cuttings with more ease and safety, and nothing suits them 

 better than to be placed on a shelf near the glass. 



Chrysanthemums for blooming in November 

 and December 



Q. Please give rne a list of varieties that will bloom at this 

 season. I shall grow them in the border, and pot up in September 

 and bring into the greenhouse. /. 0. If., Wanstead. 



A. The following are suitable varieties, namely, Source d'Or ; 

 White and Yellow Selborne; Kathleen Thompson, A. J. Balfour, 

 Mrs. W. Knox, Crimson Source d'Or, Dr. Enguehard, Madame R. 

 Oberthur, Princess Victoria, white, also yellow Princess Victoria, 



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