Cultural Pointers 
SOILS 
Aeration 
Proper drainage and proper aeration of the soil are very vital to good growth. Many times improper 
drainage of the bench or bed is the reason for a poor crop. No wet spots should ever be present. 
Soil drainage may be improved by the addition of various materials. Any coarse organic material 
such as manure, alfalfa hay or clover hay applied at the rate of not to exceed one-fourth the 
volume will separate the soil particles sufficiently to increase pore space. 
Adding several bushel of peat per 100 square feet of bench area after leaching and worked into the 
top inch of the soil will help keep the surface open and porous. Heavy applications of sand to a soil 
have not always proven of value to a chrysanthemum crop. Aeration may also be increased by proper 
cultivation of the soil. 
Soil Management 
Soils vary a great deal over the country and yet many good crops of chrysanthemums are grown on 
all types of soil. Soil itself is not the most important but soil management is of extreme importance. 
In considering the management of soil the following pointers are suggested: 
1. Apply a quarter of the volume of manure or other organic substitute once a 
year, usually just before steam sterilization, rototill organic matter into the soil. 
When growing on ground beds watch the tilling so that no impervious layer is 
formed which will later cause poor drainage. 
2. Steam sterilize the soil to a temperature of 180°F, once a year. 
3. After sterilization leach with 7 gallons of water per square foot. The amount 
will vary with the type of soil. 
4. Apply 5 pounds of gypsum (Calcium 
sulfate) per 100 square feet. Apply 
gypsum just before planting. 
5. Test soil for acidity and make correc- 
tion before planting. 
6. Apply 5 pounds of super phosphate 
per 100 square feet of area once a 
year. Excess phosphates tie up organic 
toxins. 
7. Wait seven days from time of steriliza- 
tion to planting. 
8. Maintain the following nutrient levels: 
Nitrate Nitrogen 5— 10 p.p.m. 
Phosphorus 5—10  p.p.m. 
Potassium 20 — 40  p.p.m. 
Calcium 200 — 250 p.p.m. 
Solubridge reading 40 or lower 
9. Water, thoroughly at every watering. 
10. Apply a complete fertilizer at time of 
bud initiation. Heavy watering and 
light on the fertilizer will make chrysan- Terminal Spray Formation Resulting 
themums grow. From Time Pinching 
