



CULTURAL POINTERS 
Gilheal P. ointers 
SOIL 
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 dis- 
eases and too much fertility are often found in old soil. Verticillium wilt (Seidewitz disease) is carried 
over in the old soil. If cultured cuttings are planted into old soil many varieties will become affected 
with wilt. The only reliable method is to sterilize with steam so that the soil is heated to 180 to 200 
degrees F. for at least one hour. If the soil is high in nitrate nitrogen we suggest you apply two inches 
of alfalfa or red clover hay into the soil in place of manure before sterilizing. This coarse fiber will re- 
duce the nitrates and also adds humus to the soil. After sterilizing leach the soil with large quantities 
of water to reduce the available nutrients. 
Evidence shows that the soil reaction should be slightly acid pH 6.5, although in many instances a neu- 
tral medium does very well. If your soil tests slightly alkaline apply '/2 to one pound of agricultural sul- 
fur per 100 square feet of area. However, if your soil is acid apply 3 to 5 pounds of agricultural ground 
limestone per 100 square feet of area. 
Proper drainage and proper aeration of the soil are very vital to good growth. It should be constantly 
watched not only in ground beds but also in raised benches. 
FERTILIZER 
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 rotted manure or alfalfa or red clover hay ap- 
plied 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, such as Electra, is 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 million 
and potassium 20 to 40 parts per million. 
WATERING 
When planting rooted cuttings directly into their permanent locations it is essential to water thor- 
oughly to set the soil around the plant roots. We suggest double watering again when the soil gets on 
the dry side. By this time the plants are established and regular watering should be followed. Keep hum- 
idity in the house by wetting down bench and walks. 
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 cul- 
ture overwatering would be difficult. When grown in beds more care should be exercised in watering. 
PINCHING 
Pinching not only regulates the number of stems but also influences the petallage of varieties that tend 
to be single; regulates the neckiness; eliminates the appearance of crown buds; and regulates the spray 
formation on pompons or singles. 
The last pinching dates given after each variety will help you grow that variety to excellency. Remem- 
ber that pinching is just one cultural factor and will only function when all other cultural points are car- 
ried out properly. 

