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DWARF
POT
PLANTS |
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Although similar in many ways, there are
number of clear differences between the Fukusuke and the Daruma style of
growing dwarf pot chrysanthemums. I suppose the main difference is that
each plant is grown to produce three identical blooms in Daruma rather than
just a single bloom as with Fukuske. Daruma plants are grown in larger pots
measuring 20 cms (8 inches) and the blooms are grown to measure a height
of 60 cms (24 inches) from the base of the pot to calyx or the centre of
the bloom. Plants should be started in the same way as if for Fukuske, but
somewhat earlier i.e. in the first week of October. Vigorous growth is essential,
so as soon as the cuttings are rooted the young plants should be fed with
a fertiliser with a high nitrogen content. When the plant is well established,
the growing tip should be pinched out and three good laterals allowed to
grow on. When the plant reaches a height of aprox. 12-14 cms. (4-5 inches)
withhold the water until the plant starts to go limp. The laterals should
then, using extreme care, be drawn down and then pinned, with a bent piece
of wire over the lateral, and pushed down into the soil. At this stage extreme
care must be taken to ensure that laterals are not broken off, this can
easily be done, but with a bit of experience there should be few problems.
It is not a bad idea to grow four laterals in the early stages and if one
is broken then all is not lost. Take your time at this stage of growth,
for ultimate success depends to a great extent on laterals being positioned
ideally to enable three blooms to develop close together but not touching.
After the laterals have been positioned, the plant should be watered. As
the laterals start growing, they will begin to turn upwards. As soon as
they are sufficiently long to have a tie on them, canes should be positioned
in the pot, again with great care and at regular spacings, and a tie put
on each lateral. When this has been done, then the wire pins may be removed
as they have now done their job. From this stage onwards, proceed in the
normal Fukuske method, with each stem, to ultimately finish up with three
dwarfed plants on one stem. However, I would recommend that the fundamentals
of Fukuske are learned and understood before tackling Daruma. Thanks are
expressed to Graham Sharpe in helping me to compile this item.
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