Chrysanthemums

These are propagated by cuttings, which root very easily. I would

suggest, however, dipping them first in a wash of one part Aphine to

thirty-five parts water, and then rinsing in clear cold water, in order

to rid them entirely of any black aphis there may be present. Give them

a clean start, and it will be much easier to keep them clean, as they

must be kept to make good healthy plants.



If you have not already a stock on hand, I would suggest going to some

florist's in the chrysanthemum season and making a list of the varieties

which particularly please you. Later, say in February or March, you can

get cuttings of these, already rooted if you like, but it's more fun to

root them yourself.



Pot off in two-and-one-half-inch pots, and shift on as rapidly as the

roots develop. Use, after the first potting, a very rich soil, and give

plenty of water. Chrysanthemums are very gross feeders and the secret of

success with them lies in keeping them growing on from the beginning as

rapidly as possible, without a check. Keep at about fifty-five degrees

and repot as frequently as required.



If they are to be grown in a bed or bench, have the soil ready by the

first part of June. The distance apart will be determined by the method

by which they are to be grown--six or eight inches if to "single stems"

with the great big flowers one sees at the florist's; about eight, ten

or twelve if three blooms are to be had from each plant. Of course that

will be determined by individual taste; but personally I prefer the

"spray" form, growing a dozen or more to each plant. They should be

syringed frequently and given partial shade. A good way is to spray

onto the roof a mixture of lime-water, about as thick as milk, or white

lead and naphtha in solution.



As soon as they are well established and growing, decision must be made

as to how they are to be grown. If more than one flower to a plant is

wanted, pinch out the big top bud and as the side buds develop, take

them all off to the number of flowers required, two, three or more as

the case may be. If sprays are wanted, pinch out the end buds of these

side shoots also when they get about three inches long, and all but a

few of the side buds on the shoots.



If at any time during growth the plants seem to be checked, or lose

their healthy dark green color, it is probable that they are not getting

enough food and should be given top dressings or liquid manure

accordingly.



Or if one does not want to devote space in the greenhouse to them for so

long a time (although they occupy it when there is little other use for

it) the plants may be grown in pots, the final shift being into six-or

seven-inch. They are kept in a cool house, or in a shaded place

out-of-doors, plunged in coal ashes. One advantage of this method is, of

course, that they can be brought into the dwelling house while in bloom.



In either case, the plants must be watched carefully for black fly,

which can be kept off with Aphine. The plants will also need supports

of twine or wire, or stakes, whether in the beds or in pots.



The usual method is to cut back the plants after blooming, store in a

cold place and start later into new growth for cuttings. A better way is

to set a few plants out early in the spring--one of each variety will

give an abundance of plants for home use. Cuttings can be taken from

these that will be just right for late flowers. These stock plants are

cut back in the fall, taken up and stored in a deep box, keeping as cold

as possible without freezing.



Varieties are so numerous, so constantly changing, of so many types,

that it would be unsatisfactory to give a list. The best way, as

mentioned before, is to get a list of the sort you like, while they are

in bloom at the florists.