HARDY CHRYSANTHEMUMS 
FOR CUT FLOWERS 
There are now many varieties flowering in September and early 
October which make first class cut flowers. They can be sold in di- 
rect competition to cloth house Pompons. The cost of production of 
such hardy Mums is only a small fraction of regular cloth house 
shaded stock. Production on field-grown plants has run two 10 oz. 
bunches to a plant on some varieties. Many growers, both wholesale 
and retail, would profit greatly by a better acquaintance with the 
hardy varieties. While the outdoor crop is not usually quite the equal 
of choice indoor stock, all factors of labor and expense are in favor 
of the Hardy Mums. The grower-retailer who has his own flowers 
is much more favorably situated than the one who must depend on 
the market. The flowers will last for several weeks on the plants in 
the field. Even if every flower is not used, enough will be produced 
to lower your cut flower bills considerably at this season. The fact 
that indoor stock sells from $1.00 per bunch and up, cannot be profit- 
ably ignored. 
The usual method is to plant in the field in late May or early 
June. Set 15 to 18 inches apart in the row and the rows 24 to 30 
inches apart. With hand cultivation, good stock may be produced as 
close as 10 by 20 inches. Keep the soil cultivated and the weeds down. 
Growers who sell to the wholesale trade usually plant in beds. Beds 
are 4 to 4% ft. across and the plants are set 8 by 8 inches. Usually 
3 lbs. of 4-12-4 or 5-10-5 fertilizer to 100 sq. ft. is worked into the 
ground before the plants are set. And an additional light application 
when the plants are 10 to 12 inches tall. Beds should be level both 
ways. Keep cultivated the first half of the season. Water in dry 
weather to a depth of 6 inches once a week after the plants are 
established. Use a sprinkler . Lack of water will result in hard 
wood and short stems. 
Use a framework of stakes and wire and a cloth cover, if neces- 
sary, to avoid frosts. A single wire about 18 inches from the ground 
on both sides of the bed is sometimes all that is needed to support 
the hardy varieties. The indoor system of a wire between each row 
and a cross-string between each plant is good insurance against wind 
and rain storms. 
BUNCHING. This is important and some experience- and care 
are needed. Cut stems as long as possible, but avoid the lower hard- 
wood. Hold in water, out of drafts, in a cool place over night. Re- 
move the lower leaves. Weigh bunches to 9 or.10 oz. Tie the lower 
ends securely. Grade out all old or damaged flowers and all non- 
flowering branches. Appearance of the finished bunches is import- 
ant. If they are shipped or delivered in cartons, pack securely but 
do not crowd too much. And do not put too much weight in a single 
carton. 
The time to set varies with the locality. Here they should be set 
in May or early June. Set as early as possible after frosts are over. 
A longer growing season will make longer stemss. All too often, 
young stock is held in small pots too long and they become stunted 
and woody. Such stock planted in the hot weather of late June or 
July start slowly, and seldom bring much profit to the grower. For 
cut flowers, no effort should be spared to plant early and to keep 
the stock growing vigorously throughout the season. 
10 
