

Crown bud surrounded Terminal bud surrounded Terminal bud selected 
by lateral buds by flower buds 
DISBUDDING 
Large flowered varieties produce side shoots in the axils of the leaves which should be removed very 
close to the base at regular weekly intervals. 
The chrysanthemum usually produces two distinct types of flowering buds—Crown and Terminal. The 
first bud produced is called the crown bud and is distinguished by being surrounded by other lateral 
leat buds. The second is the terminal bud and is surrounded by several flower buds. If the plant is 
planted especially early, a second crown bud might appear. In appearance this second crown bud is 
exactly the same as the first. 
The procedure of "Taking Bud’ depends very largely on the variety. Usually the safest rule to follow 
is not to select a bud of early or midseason varieties before August 25. In our list of large flowered 
varieties under "Select Bud" you will find the date on which to select the proper bud. If bud is select- 
ed too early a large percentage of the flowers will be crippled. 
The final selection of bud should not be made when the cluster buds are too small as this will very 
likely cause injury to the stem near the bloom. Likewise it is not advisable to delay selecting the bud 
too long. Some growers like to leave an alternate bud until they are certain that nothing will happen 
to the one finally selected. 
CUTTING FLOWERS 
Quality flowers can be easily ruined by improper cutting and marketing. Standards should have 
their centers well developed before cutting as half open blooms will not have good keeping qualities. 
Pompons are ready to cut when the majority of the buds on the spray are open. If pompons are al- 
lowed to remain on the plant too long the quality is greatly reduced. There is also a great difference 
in weight of pompons cut when ready as compared with those held on the plant for some time before 
cutting. The Chrysanthemum Society of America recommends that pompons be marketed in 9 ounce 
bunches. 
Standards are the most difficult to market. Over-crowding in the shipping boxes is the most common 
error. Pack so that there is ample room for each bloom, with sufficient cleating to hold the flowers in 
their proper positions. Pompons should be tied in neat bunches so to show off the flowers and yet not 
tangle with other bunches when handled. 
