HARDY CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR CUT FLOWERS 
Great attention has been given to the hardy Chrysanthemums in 
recent years. New introductions have shown much improvement in 
earliness of flowering, and variety of colors and types. There are 
now many varieties flowering in September and early October which 
make first class cut flowers. They can be sold in direct competition 
to cloth house Pompons. The cost of production of such hardy 
Mums is only a small fraction of regular cloth house shaded stock. 
Production has run two 10 oz. bunches to a plant on some varieties 
Many growers would profit greatly by better acquaintance with the 
hardy varieties. We feel assured that a well grown trial plot will 
convince anyone of their possibilities. 
Due to general conditions and scarcity of labor in particular the 
Hardy Mums offer a promising outlook. By use of hardy varieties 
- much time, labor and expense may be saved. While the outdoor 
crop is not usually quite the equal of choice indoor stock, all factors 
of labor and expense are in favor of the Hardy Mums. And the 
grower-retailer who has his own flowers is much more favorably 
situated than the one who must depend on the market. The present 
outlook is that market conditions will continue with high prices and 
short supplies. 
The usual method is to plant in the field in late May or early 
June. Set 15 to 18 inches apart in the row and the rows 24 or 30 
inches apart. With hand cultivation, good stock may be produced as 
close as 10 by 20 inches. Keep the soil cultivated and the weeds down. 
Growers who sell to the wholesale trade usually plant in beds. 
Beds are 4 to 4% ft. across and the plants are set 8 by 8 inches. 
Usually 3 lbs. of fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. is worked into the ground 
before the plants are set. And an additional light application. when 
the plants are 10 to 12 inches tall. Beds should be level both ways. 
Water when needed, and keep cultivated the first half of the season. 
Use a framework of stakes and wire and a cloth cover, if necessary, 
to avoid frosts. A single wire about 2 ft. from the ground on either 
side of the bed is all that is needed to support the hardy varieties. 
BUNCHING. This is important and some experience and care is 
needed. Cut stems as long as possible, but avoid the lower hard- 
wood. Hold in water, out of drafts, over night. Remove the lower 
leaves. Weigh bunches to 9 or 10 oz. Tie the lower ends securely. 
Grade out all old or damaged flowers and all non-flowering branches. 
Appearance of the finished bunches is important. If they are shipped, 
pack securely but do not crowd too much. And do not put too much 
weight in a single carton. 
The time to set varies with the locality. Here they should be 
set in late May or early June. All rooted cuttings should be potted 
or transplanted before setting in the open field. Coldframe culture 
for 2 or 3 weeks before setting is very good. 
Our list of varieties has been reduced to the most outstanding 
sorts. We have retained all the good early cut flower varieties. 
