CHRYSANTHEMUMS 
49 
variety becomes really a matter of one’s taste. It is wise, however, 
to remember that for exhibition purposes, of the three varieties— 
Early, Early Mid-season and Late—use only Early or Mid-season 
varieties for outside planting. For garden varieties, this rule does 
not apply, for any variety selected may be used there. 
It is most important to use nothing but the healthiest plants, as 
there are so many things to guard against, i. e., overforced, side 
shoot plants, over-fed, midge-infected and stem-rot. So the first 
recommendation is to be sure of your stock. 
As to soil, regardless of the location, acid soil, limestone soil or 
semi-acid soil, the Chrysanthemum will do well if the soil is prop¬ 
erly prepared before planting. ’Mums are gross feeders and must 
have fertile soil. The roots, too, are near the surface, hence require 
generous watering, but good drainage. Soil should be fairly heavy 
rather than too sandy, equally composed of two parts of black dirt 
(or topsoil), one part well-rotted cow fertilizer, one part sandy- 
clay loam, thoroughly blended. Where possible, beds should be 
raised six inches above grade to allow for drainage, as this helps 
to keep the ground from becoming sour. If one has very poor soil 
to deal with, just dig a little deeper so that your carefully prepared 
rich soil will be available in greater abundance to nourish these 
greedy feeders. In planting, it is advisable to have them twelve 
inches apart in each row and the rows at least twelve inches apart 
or more if possible, as ’Mums need good air circulation on all sides. 
Adequate means of support are necessary and should be pro¬ 
vided at the time of planting, as it is not a simple matter to do if 
delayed until they need supporting. Any number of ways is avail¬ 
able, such as wire (or frame) stakes, bamboo rods, etc. 
Liquid fertilizer, made from fresh cow manure is applied (see 
page 11) every ten days until the color begins to show, begin¬ 
ning only after the plants have attained twice their original height 
at time of planting.* In using liquid fertilizer, first water the 
plants thoroughly, wetting all the foliage and soak again imme¬ 
diately after fertilizing. If this plan of watering before and after 
is not followed, the liquid fertilizer is apt to burn the roots and 
foliage. 
♦Editorial Note:—If garden varieties are given heavy feeding, a dressing of cow manure, 
preferably in late August, though maybe as late as last of September, a wealth of bloom 
rewards. 
Many Types 
Have been 
Evolved 
Select 
Plants 
Carefully 
Soil 
Require¬ 
ments 
Location 
Support 
Fertilizer 
