South Australian Chrysanthemum Growers' Calendar March and April

If you haven't already done so a second 1 cm top dressing of potting compost will benefit the root system that is coming to the surface.
Basal shoots are best kept under control and any shoots bigger than 2-3 cm should be cut back making the final trim back around the end of April. It is from these shoots next seasons cuttings are produced.
Second stop laterals should now be growing steadily and the selected ones kept straight by keeping them tied to the stakes which also prevents wind damage. Pots should be rotated regularly to encourage even development of the plant and the bud which should ideally be kept at right angles to the stem.
Having selected "the bud" it is important to keep the stem/s free of side shoots which can develop rapidly if overlooked even for a relatively short time.
It is very easy to back-off on the pest control program so hang in there it will soon be over. All the effort to produce that bud/flower can easily be wasted by insect infestation. Fertilizing must be kept up though, right up until the calyx splits and colour shows.
I prefer liquid-fertilizers- ¼ strength every watering with the 4th or 5th application water only in an attempt to flush away any accumulation of chemical salts.
I endorse Roy Shilling's suggestion in the January/February Cultural Notes to minimize over heating of roots in pots and the ground. I prefer burying the pots and mulch to the top rim and between the pots.

The above is a variation of old themes but I strongly recommend new members resort to the Society's library as there are some excellent reference books.
Bruce Skeen's, 'Growing Chrysanthemums' (1st and/or 2nd edition) are written to Australian time and for beginners.
The Society's booklet is also an excellent introduction to this pastime.
Exhibiting is not for everyone but it can be a lot of fun. So if you find you have some pretty good blooms give it a try.
The novice section of the show needs your participation so avoid the feeling "gee I had some at home as good as these" and I urge you to support the Annual Show which is not all that far away.

CHRYSANTHEMUM GROWERS CALENDAR CULTURAL NOTES FOR MARCH AND APRIL by Geoff Lushey as printed in Chrysanthemum News, March/April 2001. Chrysanthemum News is the newsletter of the West Australian Chrysanthemum Society Inc.
If you haven't already done so a second 1 cm top dressing of potting compost will benefit the root system that is coming to the surface. Basal shoots are best kept under control and any shoots bigger than 2-3 cm should be cut back making the final trim back around the end of April. It is from these shoots next seasons cuttings are produced. Second stop laterals should now be growing steadily and the selected ones kept straight by keeping them tied to the stakes which also prevents wind damage. Pots should be rotated regularly to encourage even development of the plant and the bud which should ideally be kept at right angles to the stem. Having selected "the bud" it is important to keep the stem/s free of side shoots which can develop rapidly if overlooked even for a relatively short time. It is very easy to back-off on the pest control program so hang in there it will soon be over. All the effort to produce that bud/flower can easily be wasted by insect infestation. Fertilizing must be kept up though, right up until the calyx splits and colour shows. I prefer liquid-fertilizers- ¼ strength every watering with the 4th or 5th application water only in an attempt to flush away any accumulation of chemical salts. I endorse Roy Shilling's suggestion in the January/February Cultural Notes to minimize over heating of roots in pots and the ground. I prefer burying the pots and mulch to the top rim and between the pots. The above is a variation of old themes but I strongly recommend new members resort to the Society's library as there are some excellent reference books. Bruce Skeen's, 'Growing Chrysanthemums' (1st and/or 2nd edition) are written to Australian time and for beginners. The Society's booklet is also an excellent introduction to this pastime. Exhibiting is not for everyone but it can be a lot of fun. So if you find you have some pretty good blooms give it a try. The novice section of the show needs your participation so avoid the feeling "gee I had some at home as good as these" and I urge you to support the Annual Show which is not all that far away.