Chrysanthemum - fourteen week growing method

A method of producing, dwarfed plants, in a matter of 13 to 14 weeks without having recourse to chemical retardents, ideally suitable for beginners, and any grower wishing to try their hand, at producing plants similar to Fusuke. After reading an article, published in the U.K. National Chrysanthemum Year Book of 1957, I grew a couple of plants by this method, and was successful in the Pot Plant section. at the Annual Show, also there was an article in the Victorian newsletter, written by the international grower Leo Clark, of New Zealand recommending a similar method which he had adopted. Basically, advantage is taken of the fact that, around 1st to 7th February plants prepared for the coming shows, will, or should be growing away vigorously and producing a large number of laterals, some of which will have to be removed.This is the material to be used for the propagation of the plants, as they will be in an advanced stage of development, and indeed produce a bloom, at the same time as the parent plant. Remove Lateral, {snap off] about 2 .5 inches ( 6 cms ) long ensure that there are no early buds, using a hormone powder, to strike cuttings, place in small pots, or tubes, using a peat - pearlite compost, base. Bend two wires, make hoop shape, insert in pot, and cover with a polythene bag, Keep in shade, and with the warm prevailing conditions, plants should root,within 10 to 12, days. Once a good root system has been established, remove polythene bags, and plant on in a 15 cm pot ( 6inch ) and keep in a warm shade area, until plants have settled, and reestablished themselves. Once plants begin to grow, stand them outside in the sun, for two or three weeks, to help keep them dwarf and stocky. With a free draining and rich potting mix it will be necessary to water plants every day, whilst outside. To assist in the hardening of the wood, occasionally allow plants to wilt by prolonging the water period. A weak liquid feed every week until buds show colour, will prove beneficial. POTASSIUM NITRATE, one teaspoon, per gallon ( 4 litres ) of water. As with the parent plants, about mid March they should be showing buds, and ready for disbudding. TWO. Support with a thin stake, and dont forget the label. At all stages protect plants from insects and disease.Spray regularly, Dysiston granular, also can be used, however take all safety precautions including wearing rubber gloves. Place pots in the area where you intend them to flower, allow 12 sq ins for each pot, to give plenty of air, and turn pots every two or three days, to keep blooms growing upright on their stems. Finally after approximately 14 weeks, you should finish up with a fully developed bloom, and as in the Fusuke method, it should be twice as tall, as the width of the pot. Use short growing cultivars, and for an experiment, try a natural short growing Large Exhibition, such as LUNDY.