CULTURE OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR EXHIBITION. 



287 



expanded. Then the doses must be made much weaker, until in the end clear water only 

 should be used. 



BUDS. We must retrace our steps now to a period in the lite of the plant when it is 

 usual for the single stem to break' out into several new growths. This usually takes place 

 during May ; sometimes, however, earlier, and the reverse. The plants branch out into new 

 growths owing to the foundation of a bud in the point of the shoot. This bud is called the 

 break bud, because the plant break's into new growths immediately the hud is formed. It 

 is usual to retain the three strongest of these new shoots after the break' bud has been first 

 rubbed out. These shoots in about three months each produce a bud at the apex of their 



growth, the bud in this case being described as the first crown bud. 

 late-flowering Chrysanthemums are usually flowered on this bud, and in sue 



buds are secured — that is to say, they are retained, and 



the new fresh green small shoots surrounding the bud are 

 detached, so that the bud is left absolutely alone. These 

 buds should form during August, and the resulting flow ers 

 will then be in first-class condition early in November. 

 Unfortunately, the greater number of the finest varieties 

 are not seen at their best when first crown buds are 

 retained. First crown buds often develop blooms of great 

 size, but devoid of grace, beauty, and colour. On this 

 account special means should be taken to induce the plants 

 to produce second crow n buds sufficiently early for the 

 flowers to expand fully by the early clays of November. 

 Second crown buds are those which form about a month to 

 six weeks later than tire first crown buds, and can be 

 only obtained w hen the first crow n bud is rubbed out, and 

 the strongest succeeding shoots on each stem grown on. 

 In the case of plants intended to bloom on second crown 

 buds, it is necessary to take them in hand earliei 



Naturally 



cases the 



Tin 



TAPANESE VARIETY. 



of 



hi 



the Japanese, 



Incurved, Reflexed, and Anemone sorts may be flowered on second crown buds, 

 these usually developing flow ers of perfect form and high colour, although they are somewhat 

 smaller than those resulting from a first crown bud selection. Good colour and form are always 

 preferred to mere size. To effect this purpose, pinch out the point of the shoots at any time 

 between the last week' in March and the second week' in April, unless the plants make the break 

 naturally about this time, and grow on steadily the new shoots, to the number of three or four. 

 The second set of buds forming at the apex of these growths, and this usually occurs about 

 August, probably the middle to the latter part of the month, should be retained, and the young 

 shoots surrounding the bud rubbed out. This is rather an intricate matter to describe, yet 

 the foregoing remark's should assist those unacquainted with this important aspect of 

 Chrysanthemum culture. 



For general guidance it may be as well to state here that buds forming during August, of 

 whatever kind, no matter whether they be first or second crown buds, should always be retained. 

 An ideal time for the majority of varieties is during the third week in August, and buds selected 

 at this period usually flower evenly. The pretty little Pompons and single sorts are seen to 

 advantage when flowered on terminal buds, this kind of bud being the last to develop on the 

 plant, and denoting the termination of the plant's grow th. These buds form in clusters, and it 

 is usual to select the largest and best-shaped bud. These small-flowered sorts should carry at 

 least a dozen flowers. This must be remembered early in the season, and a sufficient number 

 of shoots retained. Throughout the summer and early autumn, regularly and carefully tie the 

 shoots, or rather loop them, to the stakes inserted in the pots for their support. Never tie the 

 shoot tightly, but always allow a little play for the wind. Also never tie too near the head of 



