SUMMER TREATMENT OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN POTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20278, 10 December 1927, Page 3

SUMMER TREATMENT OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN POTS.

A correspondent of the Garden contributes the following useful notes concerning the growing of chrysanthemums in pots. The mouths which are named have been altered to suit the southern hemisphere : From the present time until the end of February, plants that are well treated will grow rapidly. After the end of February few flower buds are iormed, active growth of branch lessens considerably and the wood and leaves already farmed begin to ripen quickly. Tnis is the proper condition of a well-managed plant. Of course, a certain amount of ripening goes on throughout the summer months and to further such conditions of growth wa must see that the plants, now, are well arranged in a sheltered, but sunny position outside. They must not be over, crowded. The rows of plants ahould be, if convenient, due north and south, so that they will get tha maximum amount of sunshine. The tallest growing varieties should bo at the south ead of each row and the dwarf ones at the northern end. The rows should be, approximately, 4ft apart, and the plants in tha rows 18in asunder. The final potting of specimen plants and those grown for the production of exhibition blooms, should be com. pleted as soon as possible. The final potting of those intended for late flower, ihg should be completed by the end of December. Frequently, the inexperienced cultivators win pinch, or stop, these lateflowering plants well on in the month of January, thinking that by doing so they will reap a particularly late harvest of bloom. It is a mistake to stop the plants very late, as the resultant flowers often fail to develop well, coming onesided, often ftaaring a few straggling flower petals Only. Do not stop the plants after Docem. her. Resultant crown and terminal buds after this date will develop in a proper wav. The staking oi the plants should be done now so that the ends of the stakes can be driven into the new soil in the pots, thus avoiding injury to the roots. When newly-potted plants require water, apply sufficient to moisten the whole of the soil in each pot thoroughly, and then allow the soil to get fairly dry again before applying more water. It is a mistake to keep the new compost in a sodden state. Later on, when the soil is full oi roots, water will be needed much more frequently. Keep the stems loosely tied against strong winds; watch the points of growth and free them from green and black aphides by the judicious use of tobacco powder and syringing. Scatter fresh sooi on the ground weekly near the plants to drive away tljc fly of the leaf-mining mag. got. An occasional light spraying of the leaves with clear soot water will be beneficial in this, direction, too.