THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9721, 17 January 1895, Page 6

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

As the present is the most trying time for the grower of the favourite autumn flower, we publish a few hints for the guidance, not only of those who intend to compete at the next show, but also for crrowers generally :— . Watering : Never let tho plants be dried up or flag, water little and often, and when the sun is not on them. Mulching :It is well in dry seasons, say in January, to mulch the plants with straw or cut grass; the roots are kept cool thereby, and watering minimised. Liquid manures: Give these frequently but sparingly from the beginning of January. Soot and cow manure, put into bags and steeped, are the best. Rather err on the side ot giving them too weak, than of over strength. If they are the colour of weak tea they are about right. During February a bud will form at the extremity of the three branches, into which the main shoot divided. This bud is technically known as the "crown bud." If the surrounding shoots are not removed the but will gradually dwindle away as these shoots gather strength. It is essential in the case of most varieties that this bud be retained and produce tho exhibition bloom. The shoots surrounding it should therefore be removed, and as fresh growths start along the branches at the axils of the leaves, they should also be taken off before they attain any size. The whole strength of the plant being thus concentrated in the production of the bloom at the end of the three branches. If the crown bud be damaged in any way, it is necessary to rely upon the " terminal bud" for the bloom, in which case one shoot is allowed to grow on the branch, the crown bud and remaining shoots being removed. A little later in tie j season a cluster of buds will appear at the end of these shoots ; remove all the buds except the best one, which must be perfec# in each case. This is the last chance for an exhibition bloom. If crown buds appear too early, say on 7th February, pinch them out, and leave instead one shoot for the terminal bud just referred to. Tho black and green fly and caterpillars will give some trouble. Daily inspection land handpicking is necessary for the caterpillars. Where leaves are gummed together or rolled over the pest is at work. Gishurst's compound, or kerosene emulsion, will be effectual in the case of the fly, if the plants are syringed at least once a week until the blooms commence to unfold. Leaf disease : This is the worst pest the chrysanthemum grower has to contend with. It makes its appearance in small spots on tho leaves, chiefly in damp, wet seasons, and if neglected speedily ruins tho plant attacked. The following mixture, if well applied, will check the trouble Pub lib sulphur and lib unslaked lime in five quarts of water, and boil for twenty minutes. Use two wineglassfuls of this to four gallons of clear, cold water. Regular syringings with the mixture will usually have the desired effect,