DISBUDDING GARDEN CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 26

DISBUDDING GARDEN CHRYSANTHEMUMS

It is well known that chrysanthemums all produce far more buds than the plants can perfect, and to get good blooms even for decorative purposes, it is necessary to reduce their, number.

As ' v a' general rule the best results will, be obtained if the buds are reduced to one on each stem but not more than three should be left in any case. While the work of disbudding is proceeding the plants may be cleared of the leaf-roller^ caterpillars, which destroy the buds if allowed to remain. These pests can only be dealt with by hand picking as they roll themselves securely inside the leaves where they are quite ' immune from any spray. It' will- be found necessary to go over the ■ plants, more than once, as, however careful one may be, (there are always some heads missed, and this gives'the ■ opportunity to keep the plants clear, of the caterpillars.

Another bad insect pest which attacks chrysanthemums in some localities and in some-seasons is the brown aphis, which increases at an alarming rate and unless checked in the early stages will ruin the blooms by sucking all the sap from the stalks. Spraying

with "Black Leaf 40" at the first appearance is an effective method of dealing with these pests or, for those who do not mind the messiness of the job, the fingers may be drawn up the stems, thus squashing the insects. Chrysanthemum plants are inclined to be very topheavy, especially when in flower and after rain. Very secure staking is necessary and this should be done before damage is occasioned, as once the plants are blown over it is very difficult to get them upright again even if they are not actually broken off. , ' ■

The plants are feeling the dry spell rather badly and unless attended to in the matter of watering the blooms will be poor. '

After disbudding, lightly fork the ground round the plants, removing all weeds, and then give a good hosing in the evening after the sun has gone off the plants. Give enough, water to moisten the soil well down.

Repeat this treatment once a week as long as the, dry weather continues. The frequent loosening of the soil; is in itself very helpful but don't disturb the roots of the plants unnecessarily.