

CULTURAL POINTERS 
GAL P. otnters 
SOILS 
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. 
Acidity 
Evidence shows that 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. 
Aeration 
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 should 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 by proper cultivation of the soil. Frequent scratchings are recommended during the early 
growth of the crop. ; 
Steam Sterilization 
Old soil when properly managed will give comparable results with fresh soil. Add a quarter of the 
volume of humus in the form of manure or chopped alfalfa or red clover hay. Steam sterilize to 
destroy the verticillium wilt fungus as well as improve the structure of the soil. Steam sterilization 
may be done with the use of three inch tile or down spouting with e holes drilled every six inches on 
each side of the pipe. Use two lines in a three and one-half toot bench. Ridge the soil to the center 
of the bench directly over the lines, covering with tarpaulin, canvas or sisalkraft. The Thomas method 
is very similar with the exception that the pipe is laid on top of the soil and then covered so as to 
make it airtight. The Thomas method is not recommended where purlin posts are in the bench. 
By introducing the steam in the center of a 100 foot bench and sending the steam both directions 
a more thorough sterilization is accomplished than if the steam were to be forced in at the end of 

the 100 foot bench. Cover the sides of the benches so that the entire bench and contents are heated ~ 
to 180°F. Remove the covering one hour after the steam has been cut. This allows the excess moisture 
to pass from the soil as vapor. Leach heavily immediately after sterilizing to reduce excess fertility. 
Chemical Sterilization 
A chemical which has proven its worth is Larvacide. This material must be used when the green- 
houses are empty to avoid injury to adjoining crops. This gas is applied in liquid form with a special 
applicator so that 2 or 3 c.c. are applied at 10 inch centers. The soil should be moist before apply- 
ing. 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. 
Thomas Method of Steam Sterilization Supporting Large Flowered Mums 
