CULTURAL POINTERS 
Gilleal 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 rotted manure has been added plus an application of super phosphate will 
give excellent results. A soil that does not remain too open is preferred for this crop. 

Any soil that does not drain quickly and aerate freely will not grow good chrysanthemums. More 
chrysanthemums are ruined by lack of air at the roots than any other single cause. If the water from 
your hose does not disappear quickly into the soil but instead lies in pools in all the low spots on the 
bench, you may expect trouble in a very short time. Anticipate this condition by treating your soil 
so that it will not happen. 
Many growers of chrysanthemums plant in old soil without sterilizing and frequently have disastrous 
results because this old soil is too fertile or carries disease organisms. Verticillium wilt (Seidewitz 
disease) is one serious disease which is present in such soils. 
The only reliable method is to sterlize 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 to the soil in place of manure, before sterilizing. This coarse fiber will reduce the 
nitrates and also adds humus to the soil. After sterilizing leach the soil with large quantities of water 
to reduce the available nutrients. 
Where steam sterilization is not available such as in cloth houses we suggest that you sterilize with 
formaldehyde liquid. Dilute one gallon of formaldehyde to 50 gallons of water and add this solution 
at the rate of '/2 gallon per square foot of bed area. Allow the fumes to leave the soil before plant- 
ing. Soil should be well tilled before applying liquid. 
Still another chemical which has proven its worth is Larvacide. This material must be used when the 
greenhouses are empty to avoid injury to adjoining crops. This gas is applied in liquid form with a 
special applicator so that 2 to 3c. c. are applied at 10 inch centers. The soil should be moist before 
applying. A good suitable covering should be placed over the treated soil to keep the gas in the soil 
for at least 48 hours, although a water seal applied 2 to 3 times every 24 hours will suffice. The soil 
temperature should be at least 60 degrees or higher. When used properly you can expect favorable 
control of insects, diseases and weed seeds. 
Evidence shows tnat the soil reaction should be slightly acid pH 6.5, although in many instances a 
neutral medium does very well. If your soil tests slightly alkaline apply '/2 to one pound of agricultural 
sulfur 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. Many times improper 
drainage of the bench or bed is the reason for a poor crop. No wet spots would ever be present. 
Soil drainage may be improved by the addition: of various materials. Any coarse organic material 
such as manure, alfalfa hay or clover hay applied at the rate of not to exceed one fourth the 
volume will separate the soil particles sufficiently to increase pore space. Heavy applications of sand 
to a soil have not always proven of value to a chrysanthemum crop. Aeration may also be increased 
Pe proper cultivation of the soil. Frequent scratchings are recommended during the early growth of 
the crop. 

Buried Tile Method of Steam Sterilization Rust on Chrysanthemum 

