CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 19 (Supplement)

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

FAVOURABLE SEASON. Conditions during the past few weeks have been exceptionally favourable for chrysanthemums, provided mulching and regular waterings to compensate for the exceptional dryness of the soil have been attended to and the growth has been regulated by selecting the loading shoots to produce the aliow blooms. Pinch off side shoots, select the buds that produce the show flowers and pinch off the others. Also spray for mildew. The rust has been less in evidence than usually. At present the largo show flowers must be protected to prevent moisture from the dew and occasional rains damaging and rotting the flower petals. Recent Improvements. The marvellous march of improvement. during recent years necessitates a slight annual revision of varieties of chrysanthemums, discarding any that are inferior. Unlike the dahlia the production of new varieties is very limited, consequently many of the good old kinds are still indispensable. The grower is not harassed with not knowing what kinds to select. But to become a successful grower and prizewinner he must be up-to-date and select only the most approved and tried varieties when growing for exhibition, including some of the best novelties. There is a peculiar fascination in growing chrysanthemums, especially when tho large flower buds are opening out. If successful, one is more than repaid for the assiduous care and attention bestowed upon the plants during their various stages of growth, from striking tho cutting to the development of the perfect flowers. Garden Decorations. The choice of varieties for decoration must include a selection from the earliest to the latest, with intermediate sorts. When the plants are about six or eight inches high the tops should be nipped off. This will cause them to produce side shoots. Select sufficient of these to produce a well-i emulated head. Pinch each branch to make more side shoots to grow on naturally and flower. An abundance of flower buds form at the ends of the shoots. These must be liberally disbudded to obtain medium-sized flowers for garden decoration and cutting.