"HILLTOP" PROVING GROUNDS 
"Popularity Tested" 
we advertise. You can depend upon them! 
Chrysanthemums are our specialty. In order to avoid disap¬ 
pointment, we "popularity test" at our great autumn show and 
exhibit on our own grounds (above illustrated) all varieties that 
They are both PLANTS THAT GROW and also blooms that delight! 
You will be richly rewarded—in the extra vigor and 
extra number of fine blossoms you will gain from 
your plants—if you follow the simple directions given 
on this page for planting and caring for your Chry¬ 
santhemums. 
CARE ON ARRIVAL 
In spite of the most modern and careful packing, 
delays will sometimes occur in transportation and the 
plants may be somewhat dry when received. If this 
occurs, place the roots in tepid water for a few hours 
and they will revive like magic. If they do not 
revive, advise us at once. 
WHERE TO PLANT 
Any location where they will receive sunshine two- 
thirds of the day is satisfactory. They are best plant¬ 
ed in beds or groups together, which makes for ease 
in caring for them. Avoid windswept spots. In the 
north, plant them close to a south wall where some 
protection from early frosts can be afforded. 
WHEN TO PLANT 
Sturdy plants from 2>/2 inch pots are best for spring 
planting. These should not be planted until danger 
of frost is over. We ship at the proper time for your 
locality. Field clumps can be planted or divided 
when the new shoots are I to 2 inches high. 
HOW TO PLANT 
Pot plants should be planted so that the ball of soil 
is I or 2 inches beiow the surface when the soil is 
level. Field plants should be planted so that the 
roots extend outward and downward into the soil, 
leaving the crown I inch below the surface. In either 
case be sure to pack the soil well around the roots 
and leave a depression around the plant which 
should be filled with water several times and then 
covered with loose earth when the water soaks away. 
PLANTING DISTANCE 
The best effect is secured by planting in groups of 
three or more plants. Plants should be 18 inches 
apart. Avoid wet spots as chrysanthemums will not 
grow when their roots stand in water. If ground 
tends to be wet, plant in raised beds. 
PREPARATION OF SOIL 
Chrysanthemums are heavy feeders and do best in 
light, rich soil. Dig deeply and mix in some form of 
organic fertilizer thoroughly. Barnyard manure or 
any of the prepared sheep, cattle or poultry manures 
that can be obtained from your local dealer will do. 
After growth has started, use crysaline (see page 9). 
If ground is heavy, use peat moss to lighten it (see 
page 13). 
SUMMER CARE 
When the plants have made two or three pairs of 
new leaves, you should pinch out the young growing 
tips. This tender growth is easily pinched out with 
the thumb and forefinger. Repeat this pinching every 
time the resulting side shoots attain a length of 4 or 
5 inches until early in July, when it should be stopped. 
This pinching is very important. Starting when you 
first pinch them, apply chrysaline according to direc¬ 
tions for fine, lusty mums. 
Cultivation is of utmost importance. Never let the 
soil become hard or baked. Cultivate about an inch 
deep whenever necessary. Stake strong growers in 
mid-July, tying the main stem to the stake with soft 
cord. 
Water only when necessary, but do not let them 
suffer for water to the point of severe wilting. Any 
watering should be thorough and is best done by ap¬ 
plying the water to the ground under the plants in¬ 
stead of sprinkling. Care should be taken to prevent 
run off so that the water gets to the plant roots. 
INSECT PESTS 
Instructions for combatting the few pests of chrysan¬ 
themums are sent with each order. 
WINTER CARE 
For best results cut off tops of plants, leaving about 
three inches of stem. AFTER THE GROUND FREEZES 
HARD, cover the plants with mulch. Use something 
that will not mat down and smother the plants and 
use only enough to shade the ground well. Straw, 
excelsior, evergreen boughs, or cornstalks are good 
material. Don't uncover in spring until growth starts 
and then take off mulch gradually. Remember, water 
standing over the crown of a plant in winter will kill 
the hardiest varieties. 
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