CHRYSANTHEMUM CUTTINGS 
(Cultural Pointers 
PLANTING 
Chrysanthemums grow equally as well on a raised bench or on a ground bed. The care is slightly 
ditterent in that raised benches dry out more frequently during the summer and early fall months. 
It must be remembered that a good circulation of air is desirable, yet a direct draft is not advisable. 
Planting Date 
The proper date of planting will naturally vary according to when the crop is to bloom. For natural 
blooming we prefer to plant three or four weeks before the last pinching date. When flowering from 
August to October we suggest you plant 2 to 3 weeks before the pinching date. In the continuous 
flowering schedule where no pinch is followed we have given the advised planting dates in that schedule. 
Planting Rooted Cuttings 
Many florists are planting rooted cuttings directly into permanent locations. This not only reduces 
several handlings and production costs, but also produces a better quality bloom. We fully realize 
that it is often an impossibility for all to treat their chrysanthemums this way. However, we have 
found that young, soft plants are superior to hard woody plants. Never plant cutting any deeper than 
what they were in the propagating media. Too deep will cause stem rot. 
No Pinch Method 
Cuttings are planted and allowed to grow without pinching. It is an essential practice if three crops 
a year are to be realized. No pinch method produces a superior crop during the dark months whereas 
a pinched crop is weak and of poor quality. The cost of cuttings is overcome by a high quality and 
faster crop. 
Light Intensity 
When planting rooted cuttings into their permanent position it is necessary to shade the glass or to 
put aster cloth directly over the young plants until they are established. When shading the glass be 
sure that the material is applied lightly. 
When growing quality chrysanthemums, the higher the light intensity or the least amount of shade 
over the plants during the growing season, the better the quality of bloom. In cloth houses the amber 
saran is superior to the green because of more light under the amber covering. Naturally the plants 
require more water when growing under high light intensities. 
It is recommended to shade the plants when flowers are about one-half open to prevent them from 
sunburning. When growing standards a good practice would be to stretch muslin directly over the 
open blooms, this not only prevents sunburning but also keeps the blooms free from dirt. 
Distance of Planting ie ee pe ae Cae 
For good quality pompons we prefer to plant 7x8 inches 
or 8x8 inches pinched once, and thin the shoots to three 
per plant. The outside rows will support one more stem 
than the center rows in the bed. Nothing is gained by 
lanting at a closer distance. Light intensity should be 
high at the base of the plant for quality blooms and if 
planted too close we have lost the factor which pro- 
motes quality. Large flowered varieties are generally 
planted 8x8 inches or 8x? inches, this also applies to 
disbud anemone and single varieties. 
PLANTING DISTANCES FOR NO-PINCH METHOD 
Flowering Date Pompons Standards 
June 15- September 15 4x6 6x6 
September 15 - November | 4x7 6x7 
November | - December 15 4x8 6x8 
December 15- March 1 4x9 6x9 
March 1 - April 15 4x8 6x8 
April 15 - June 15 4x7 6x7 
Supporting Standards with the Box Tying Method 
