
| (RL ie otnters 
Chrysanthemums will grow well in a wide range of soil types but a fibrous silt loam is preferred. Blue 
grass sod, to which super phosphate has been added, has given excellent results. 
Many growers plant chrysanthemums in old soil without sterilizing and expect good results. Many 
diseases and too much fertility are often found in old soil. Verticillium wilt (Seidewitz disease) is 
carried over in the old soil. If old soil is used sterilize with steam so that the soil is heated to 180 
to 200 degress F. for at least one hour. After sterilizing leach the soil with large quantities of 
water to reduce the available nutrients. 
Evidence shows that the soil should be slightly acid, although in many instances neutral medium does 
well. If your soil tests slightly alkaline apply /y to | lb. of agricultural sulphur per 100 square feet 
of area. Avoid the use of lime unless the soil is extremely acid. 
Drainage in raised benches as well as in ground beds should be constantly watched. Good drainage 
with proper aeration are necessary to produce a good crop. 
FERTILIZERS 
When using fresh soil, apply 3 to 5 lbs. of super phosphate per 100 square feet of area plus a liberal 
application of manure before planting. A mulch of peat or rooted manure applied two to three weeks 
after planting is helpful. Six weeks after planting and every three weeks until color shows an application 
of ammonium sulfate at the rate of | lb. per 100 square feet of area or 2 lbs. of a complete fertilizer 
are advisable. Remember that the plant is the best guide as to fertilizer requirements. 
When using sterilized soil the best recommendations to follow would be to analyze your soil from time 
to time. We have found that when the following nutrient levels are kept, good crops are the result. 
Nitrate nitrogen should be between 10 to 25 parts per million; phosphorus from 2 to 5 parts per mil- 
lion and potassium 20 to 40 parts per million. 
WATERING 
The knowledge of proper watering is essential to success. Chrysanthemums produce extremely heavy 
foliage and a great deal of water is required at the roots, and under ordinary conditions of bench 
culture overwatering would be difficult. When grown in beds more care should be exercised in watering. 
~ 
PESTS 
The most troublesome diseases on the chrysanthemum are, Verticillium wilt, stem rot, mildew and Septoria 
leaf spot. Planting healthy cuttings and by using fresh soil should reduce Verticillium wilt and stem 
rot to a minimum. Dusting with sulphur will control mildew. Proper ventilation, especially in early fall, 
and spraying with Bordeaux mixture at least once a week for three weeks will reduce this pest. 
Weekly spraying with good dependable insecticides will control the insects such as aphids, tarnish plant 
bugs, leaf rollers, mealy bugs, red spiders, midge and thrips. 
Thoroughness in spraying is very necessary for the control of these pests. 
We will at all times endeavor to serve you to the very best of our ability. If you have any questions, 
cultural problems, etc., from time to time, please feel free to call upon us. If we are able to help 
you we shall be more than repaid. 
