




INFORMATION 

SHADING 
THE USE OF BLACK CLOTH SHADING TO ADVANCE THE 
FLOWERING SEASON 
The varieties in the following list lend themselves satisfactorily to black cloth 
shading. The dates opposite the varieties are those found most satisfactory when 
the given blooming date is desired. 
Use a good durable Black Cloth which has no less than 64x104 threads to the inch. 
Best results are obtained when the light intensity under the cloth when applied is 
2 ft. candlesor less. More light intensity than this will result in delayed flower- 
ing and unevenness in bloom. 
The cloth shouldbe applied at 5:00 P.M. and removed at 7 A.M. EASTERN STANDARD TIME. 
Shading is continued on pompons untilthe latest buds show colorand most of the flowers 
are well developed. Onthe large flowering varieties shading can be discontinued after 
all flowering buds have attained the diameter of approximately half an inch. 
Make sure that covering is complete on all benches shaded, as any leaks in light will 
cause uneven spots in the bench at flowering time. 
It is not recommended that the large flowering varieties be grown outdoors under shade, 
unless proper protection is provided. Fall rains and wind storms play havoc with 
large flowers when not protected. Therefore, inside growing is suggested unless 
proper overhead protection is provided. 
Best results are obtained when varieties of approximately the same blooming date are 
used for anyone particular shading. When a spread in blooming dates is desired, re— 
peated shading of a few varieties at weekly or ten-day intervals has proven more sat— 
isfactory than grouping a large number of varieties into any one shading. The shad—- 
ing dates givenare those which have been found to be best for the respective varieties. 
Benching of rooted cuttings is satisfactory where bench space is available early 
enough. In such cases, the cuttings shouldbe benched instead of flatted at approxi- 
mately the date given for flatting or potting. 
When onlyone branch is desired following a pinch, soft pinching should be practiced. 
Removal of the mere tip is best, for example, when standards are pinched to avoid 
crown buds. Thus the final pinch on standards should be a soft pinch. 
When several breaks are desired as in pinching of pompons, the pinch should be low 
enough to remove all of the soft growth. The lowest point at which the stem breaks 
off readily is about right for this type of pinch. 
For strong stems a single pinch is best. With more pinches plants become success— 
ively weaker. 
For the pot plants, we recommend planting 3 cuttings directly from the propagating 
bench on the dates given. If these are spaced well, a better balanced plant will 
result than if planted together in the center of the pot. 
As an added suggestion, we would recommend the removal of black cloth after night 
fall to allow for a better circulation of air. This would prevent the accumulation 
of dampness andthe unfavorable results that usually occur therefrom. This of course 
will cause considerable extra work as the cloth must be replaced before morning. We 
feel however, that as this will improve the growth and the foliage it will be well 
worth the effort. Perfection is never obtained without added effort. 
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