Silver Ball, disbudded, with Good News in the background. 
OCTOBER MUMS IN SEPTEMBER 
For the last 6 or 8 years we have annually heard the prediction that black 
cloth Mums in September would easily be overdone. With equal regularity 
the demand has not been consistently met. Occasionally an extensive grower 
has temporarily embarrassed the markets, but on the whole more good local 
grown Pompons and standards could have been grown to advantage for the 
early markets. 
As we see it, the reason for this shortage is, primarily, that the grower does 
not meet the requirements of this forcing plan, resulting in short stemmed 
flowers and frequently loss thru rain and frost when grown outside the regular 
greenhouse. 
In our latitude the planting must be done early in May, tho naturally long¬ 
stemmed kinds, especially if under favorable growing conditions, can and 
perhaps should go in around May 15th. Unchecked, vigorous young stock 
that will go right ahead, tho naturally short-stemmed, should make plenty 
growth in two months. From the time shade is applied until in flower, we find 
the average standard or big Mum will lengthen 18-20", the Pompons around 
14-16 This will, of course, vary some with the season and condition of the 
stock; but the figures will help in determining whether or not our plants are 
tall enough, when the time comes, to be worth shading. If they are not, better 
let them come naturally, for the profit in shading easily disappears with short¬ 
stemmed flowers. The cost of cloth at 18-20c per sq. yd. is a substantial item. 
This season we tried out a grade of good Kraft paper costing 6-7c per sq. 
yd., depending upon how much is ordered. It worked out all right, and the 
same material, if cared for, can be used another season. However, we be¬ 
lieve a cheaper grade to be used one season will be more satisfactory. For 
4-6 ft. beds to be shaded individually, cloth should be used on the sides be¬ 
cause it can be more readily attached with rings to top side wire and pushed 
back during the day. We find it a mistake to leave this side shade or cloth in 
"Enclose Your Mum With Your Seed Order” 
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