CHRYSANTHEMUM 
22 

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Cheysanthemim Prt ash Gilin 
Well-grown, short chrysanthemum potted plants have been finding a ready market. To grow short, 
stocky plants it is necessary to follow definite cultural directions. We offer the following suggestions | 
for your consideration: 
Soil 
A good fibrous silt loam directly from the field to which one-quarter by volume of well rotted manure 
has been added, plus an application of super phosphate will give excellent results. Steam steriliza- 
tion will eliminate all weed seeds and increase the granulation of the soil. Wait seven days before 
planting rooted cuttings into steam sterilized soil. 
Planting 
Plant cuttings directly in the finishing pot. When the two-pinch method of culture is followed plant three 
cuttings in a six inch pot and four or five in a seven inch pot. Always plant an extra cutting in a pot 
when planting the variety Blazing Gold. 
Watering and Humidity 
After planting, water thoroughly to set the soil around the roots. Repeat this type of watering when 
the soil gets on the dry side. Organic matter in the soil will facilitate watering and will tend to avoid 
extreme fluctuations in moisture supply. Overwatering will rot the roots and cause a yellowing of the 
foliage. For best results grow all potted chrysanthemums under glass. Keep humidity in house by wet- 
ting down benches and walks with an occasional syringing over the plants. 
Pinching 
Two pinches are sufficient for a good short compact pot plant. The first pinch should be 15 days after 
planting followed by the second pinch 21 days after the first. If a third pinch is wanted wait another 
21 days after the second pinch. When shading potted plants, two pinches are sufficient while those 
flowered for the natural season are often pinched three times. This means that rooted cuttings should 
be planted about July 15 for those who wish to flower the plants normally. 
Fertilizing 
The foliage should retain a bright green lustre throughout the life of the plant, and the lower leaves 
should never be allowed to lose their color and turn to a light green due to low fertility. A strong 
well grown pot plant is a well fed plant. Pot plants should be fed more often than those grown in a 
bench as constant leaching will lower the nutrient level in pots faster than under bench culture. Sev- 
eral light feedings should be made with a complete fertilizer such as Electra. This can safely be used 
at the rate of | teaspoonful per 6'' pot. Last feeding should be made when the buds are forming. 
Diseases and Insects 
A regular spraying or fumigation with Parathion will control red spider, thrip, aphid and leaf tyer, 
the most troublesome insects affecting pot plants. If by chance plants are grown out of doors, weekly 
spraying with Zerlate or Fermate will prevent leaf spot. 
Shading and Disbudding 
Same procedure as for cut flowers. Black cloth should be new or in best of condition for very early 
shading to avoid delayed and uneven blooming. Continue shading until color shows on the buds. Me 
Pinch pot plants the last time the date shading is started. Disbud each shoot to one bud when buds hat 
are large enough to handle. iy 

Plant — Pinch and Shade Method 
When good stocky cuttings are planted, pinched and given short day treatment the same date, they 
will bloom in 66 days. Fewer blooms per plant will result as compared with the two or three pinch 
method. This method is gaining popularity when chrysanthemums are wanted for Christmas, Easter 
or Mother's Day: The cuttings should be from lighted stock. No black cloth shading is necessary from 
September 15 to March 15. Always grow in a 60° house as lower temperatures will cause blindness. 
Blazing Gold, Granite State, and Queen of Pinks will bloom in 66 days while Bonnaffon DeLuxe will 
require 76 days from date of potting. 

