20 
CHRYSANTHEMUM CUTTING S 
Chrysanthemum Pot Plant Culture 
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. 
Temperature 
Always grow in a 60° house as lower temperature will cause blindness. After color shows, finish in a 
cooler temperature if possible, this would be advisable for Easter or Mother's Day crop. 
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 luster 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 flower crop. Black cloth treatment should continue until the buds are taken. 
The last pinch is usually taken at the same date short'day treatment is started. However, if you are 
troubled with too tall of potted plants delay the last Snel until 5 or even 10 days after starting the 
shading program. Disbud each shoot to one bud when buds are large enough to handle. 
