Chrysanthemums.

Manawatu Herald, 9 May 1893, Page 3

Chrysanthemums.

v Keeping the blooms is a phase ii . the culture of Chrysanthemum! * wtiiqfr needs much attention. Thif is one strong point in this flowei that it will keep fresh a long tim< either on the plant or in a cut state In some seasons a large number o: fine : blooms are rendered ns^es! through the too early nY- f ei6pinen of some of the varie^ for a particu lar date. By y u tticious management blooms cn^ be kept in good conditioi i. a considerable time. Those pos sensing the darkest shades of lilac - l*(?taid their freshness' the shoi'teai period : while the white and yellov flowers continue the longest in gooc •- I; conditipn. Some growers cut th< ' : when expanded and strive tc ' "■fe l eepihem"a long time by placing „sem-in dark .closets or.r9o.ms, but ] •■have-not found that tney will ke'ej fresh longer than, about six days To haya blooms in the best possible condition on, aifiy given date, toui days preyiousjs quite soon enough enough*- i^V cut them. If cut toe early,' the florets lose their solidity and {rashness. When the centre 0: a bloom ia if ully developed and th« lower floreti fresh, the bloom is in the for cutting. Nine inches or.iweive inchGs of stem should be out with the bloom to ad%iji.i>fiLßjuA^EMipQ.'l)GiniS .cut pfl •tKc^ 6^d ? ea.(3h ; dayy^ which will :ih- -'tW .kdening^ of t^e flower. •: | A MtiU saltMn^the -vwater, say threequarters of a ' teaspboriful in'- three half-pimts ./6f!;Watta:^ will- ke&p the , flp.werß-fresh,a;.lQnger,timethan clear water only; A small portion of sulphate of animdnia is beneficial also in this respect, but not mixed with the salt and water. Place the blooms in a cool dry room partly darkened, but^here possible I prefer ■ tq,, keep them on the plant qntil required, or a^ie^gfc a couple, of days before, when . they maysaifely he out.— E. . JtloLVneauxj in'the Garden.