NOTES ON POT CULTURE 
The size of the finished plant determines the time of the first 
potting. For 8 inch— late April or early May; 6 inch— early May; 
5 inch— late May or early June; 3 cuttings to a pot in late June or 
early July will make good 5 and 6 inch. After the plants are estab- 
lished in the larger pots, they may be carried along in the green- 
house or plunged in outdoor frames. Some growers lift plants from 
the field in August, but such plants must be shaded and syringed 
the first week after potting to avoid loss of foliage. 
WATER. Possibly the most important and the most neglected 
item in the culture of pot Mums. Water sparingly until the plants are 
partially pot bound. Do not allow them to wilt much at any time, 
and do not allow them to root through the pots into the soil beneath 
the pots. 
PINCHING. All varieties, excepting the Cushions, require regu- 
lar pinching. Pinch off the center of the shoot soon after the plants 
are established in small pots. A second pinch three weeks after the 
first, and a third pinch three weeks after the second are usually suf- 
ficient to produce dwarf, sturdy plants. 
FERTILIZER. Any ordinary potting soil will do. Avoid the 
sandy types, as such require more water. A 4 inch potful of 4-12-4 
fertilizer to a wheelbarrow of soil gives good results. After the 
plants are 1-3 or 1-2 of mature size, feed every 2 or 3 weeks. Leaf 
burn will result from too much. Do not feed after buds show color. 
INSECTS. A weekly nicotine spray, especially if the plants are 
under glass, is cheap insurance against aphis. Plants with midge 
should not be potted. We can guarantee our stock 100% free of 
midge. Use DDT for thrip. 
SPACING. Whether the plants are growing out doors or inside, 
they should never be crowded. Allow plenty of air and light on all 
sides. This is quite important in late summer when the plants are of 
large size. 
SALES NOTES 
SPRING SALES. Many retailers neglect the promotion of Hardy 
Mums during this season. However, it is well to remember that most 
of your customers come to your sales place during April, May and 
June. A display group of only a few hundred potted plants, complete 
with a simple sign of “Hardy Chrysanthemums” will boost. sales. 
Variety names, prices and colors should be clearly displayed and 
easily read. In small quantities, the plants may be sold directly from 
the greenhouse bench or from the cold-frame. The usual price on 2 
or 2% inch potted plants is $2.50 per dozen for the older, standard 
varieties. Our rooted cuttings will be pot-bound and ready to sell 
within 8 to 5 weeks after potting in the above size pots. Some pre- 
fer 3 inch pots. A larger plant is thus obtained, and such plants will 
continue to grow over a longer period, without stunting. Sales 
should continue throughout May, June and most of July. 
FALL SALES. Most Hardy Mums are sold as dug directly from 
the field. However, to handle large quantities, it is better to dig the 
plants from the field and heel them in a display bed of sand, peat, 
sawdust or soil. Better display is secured and much of the sales- 
man’s time is saved. Also the plants may be watered and sold with 
the roots moist. This is important in dry Fall seasons. If possible 
plant one variety to a row, or in a block of adjoining rows. 3 or 4 
sn pet Ae in one row or one variety in 3 or 4 places in the display 
grounds is not usually very effective. 
