CHRYSANTHEMUMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21640, 4 November 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

MEANINGS OF TERMS In order to bo able to arrange for the flowers of different varieties to be fully open at a prearranged date, it is necessary to understand the various terms used in describing the operations. A natural break, means the development of side shoots without artificial aid. Stopping, means pinching out the tips of the shoot to induce it to " break or produce a number of other shoots. First crown buds, aro the flower buds which form at the tips of the shoots after tho " break " or branching has occurred. These are surrounded number of small shoots. Second crown buds are formed when the first crown bud is rubbed out, and ono or more of the shoots beneath it allowed to develop. Each of these shoots will produce a flower bud which is also surrounded by small shoots. Terminal buds develop when the second crown buds are rubbed out and one or more of the shoots surrounding them allowed to develop. The terminal buds consist of one apical flower bud, surrounded by a cluster of flower buds, as distinct from the crown buds, which are surrounded by young shoots. VARIETIES AND TREATMENT Many varieties of chrysanthemums require different treatment, and it is necessary to study their development in order to determine the correct management to ensure their flowering at a fixed date. Some may be allowed to break naturally, while others have to be stopped, to cause them to " break " or produce sevdral shoots. These operations are known as "timing." The term,

1. Crown bud. Small shoots (b) to be removed. 2. Crown bud developed after removal of shoot*. 3. Terminal bud. Other small buds to be removed at (c). 4. As bud increases in size feed with liquid manure. " taking the buds " refers to the removal of the shoots which surround the first and second crown buds, thus allowing the flower buds to develop. If the first erou'ii bud forms too early in the season, it is removed, and the second crown bud is secured or " taken " by removing the shoots surrounding it. Cascade chrysanthemums are comparatively new to cultivation in this country; the plants have long stems which are trained in a downward direction so that when in bloom in autumn, they provide cascades of flowers; these are.small, single, and of various colours. Thoy are easily raised from seeds, or from cuttings in the usual way. It is necessary to grow them on a raised platform during the summer, so that the drooping stems shall have room for development in a downward direction. They must bo supported bv sticks to prevent their being damaged while in a supple condition.

EARLY FLOWERING VARIETIES Early flowering chrysanthemums are indispensable plants for the garden. They arc in full bloom from late February to the end of April and are admirable* for garden decoration or cutting. On light, well-drained land, many of them will pass through the winter safely, but on heavy clayey land, which becomes sodden, they often perish. If, therefore, it is wished to preserve special varieties, they may bo lifted on tiie approach of winter and kept in boxes in a cool frame. They will need no other protection. Among the earliest varieties to flower in February and March arc the following:—Autumn Gold, yellow; Charlotte Hardy, crimson; Cranford, yellow; Crimson Circle; Kingcup,, yellow; Mrs. Cartwright, yellow; Phoenix, crimson; Ralph Curtis, cream; Shirley Bronze; White Splendour. The following flower later in March: —Almirante, reddish; Bronze Karly Buttercup, bronze, yellow; Crimson Marie Nasee; Elsenham, white; Elstob, yellow; Goacher's. crimson; Golden Goacher; Horace Martin, yellow; J. Bannister, pale yellow; Lechfield. pink; Mary Mason, pink; Normandie, rose-pink; Perle Chatillonaise, blush; Pink Profusion; Bed Almirante; Sanctity White; Shirley Bose. More flowering in April include:— Betty Spark, rose; Bronze Cranfonlia; Cranford Pink; Cranford Yellow: Ethel Harvey, yellow; Golden Cranfonlia; La Garonne, reddish salmon; Uxbridgo pink.

AUCKLAND ROSE SHOW

NEXT WEEK'S EXHIBITION

looses? How does one think of roses? Arc they just, beautiful flowers, or do they scorn to possess something human, something sympathetic in expression. The rose is one of Nature's most marvellous floral creations and one of hor most lavish gifts to mankind. Its perfume has always been held to be tho finest and its essence the most costly. The rose flourishes in nearly every land and is cherished by all as the Queen of Flowers. If one is a rose-lover ho or sho will not miss the Auckland society's Hose Show to be. held in the Town Hall next Thursday and Friday. Tho old tried varieties will be in evidence as well as many new ones. It will be a display equal to any previous collections of floral treasures seen in Auckland.