[ 2QI ] 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR THE GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. 



IN the foregoing article the culture of Chrysanthemums for exhibition lias been dealt with, 

 or at least the methods by which the large blooms are perfected, and now the way to grow the 

 plants for the greenhouse and conservatory has to be considered : also for supplying cut 

 flowers during late autumn and early winter. 



The propagation of decorative Chrysanthemums may be carried out at any time between 

 December and March, and even later with some of the freer-growing varieties. If a batch 

 of large plants is to be raised, insert the cuttings as early as possible in December, and so 

 on throughout succeeding weeks and months the propagation may be continued, the 

 prospect of getting large plants becoming less likely as the later period is reached. Of 

 course, cuttings inserted during the latter part of January, February, and March will ultimately 

 make pretty plants, but not so large as when the cuttings are struck' earlier. When the 



A HOUSE OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 



cuttings have rooted, pot them off singly into pots 3m. in diameter, and encourage them 

 to make sturdy growth by exposing them fully to the more airy conditions prevailing in 

 the cool greenhouse, giving them a position on the shelves near the glass. The glass structure 

 should at all times be carefully ventilated, and in this way the young plants are kept 

 sturdy. The aim should be to keep the plants growing on steadilv. The compost for 

 the different repottings should be prepared in exactly the same way as in the case of 

 plants to produce exhibition flowers, so that this aspect of their culture need not be referred 

 to again. As soon as the young plants are established in the 3m. pots, and have attained a 

 height of about 6in., pinch out the point of the shoots. This will promote the growth of 

 several new shoots, which must be encouraged. This treatment is generally called 

 "stopping" or "pinching," and by adopting this method of culture throughout the 

 growing season plants of large proportions are obtained by the early autumn. When the new- 

 growths have each reached a length of about 6in., they should again, in turn, be pinched, 



