CHRYSANTHEMUM CUTTING S§ 
(Cultural Pornters 
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 cdded plus an application of super phosphate will 
give excellent results. Porosity to permit rapid penetration of water and a uniform supply of fertil- 
izer are the reasons for the great care in soil preparation. 
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. 
Steam Sterlization 
Steam sterilization is the only practical means known to destroy the verticillium wilt organisms present 
in many soils. The cuttings you purchase are free from wilt but if planted in soil that is not steam 
sterilized many will contract the trouble. 
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 |/g holes drilled every six inches on 
each side of the pipe. Use two lines in a three and one-half foot 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. 
Steam 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 3c. 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. 
Dowfume MC 2 has been tried and found to control nematodes, weed seeds, and some damping 
off organisms. Best results are obtained when the soil temperature is above 60°F. About the same 
procedure should be followed in its application as that described for Larvacide. 
oe Se 
s"* “ 7% 
AES F . a 
, . ~ : 
‘a > Te ee me 
. ae a Ae ae It 
ivi 
re on qcne aT De 
} nf ' i 
Supporting Standards with the String Method Thomas Method of Steam Sterilization 
