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Chrysanthemum - Fall and Winter: (by Roy Fox) When plants have passed their flowering period, they are cut back to within 12" of the ground level allowing the sap to go back into the root system. A resting period should now take place and it is not necessary to dig them up until there is a possibility of a hard frost. Three weeks rest in temperatures below 45 F is necessary to allow the plants to vernalize. A classic example of a plant which has not had a vernalization period is that it will grow very slowly and look somewhat like cabbage. During the first week in November, the plants are cut back to approximately 4" squares then placed in grape boxes. This root system portion of the plant is called a 'Stool'. Make sure the name tag is tied to each stem so you can keep a record and know what stools you are forcing in the spring. The boxes of stools can be put into cold frames or put under the greenhouse workbench, if the temperature is around 45 F or lower. It is preferential that the stools do not freeze. However, if they do, make sure they freeze all the way through and do not thaw out until you bring them out in January. The stools are brought out into a warmer climate in mid-January to encourage growth. The temperature should be around 55F. This can be obtained in a basement or in a cool greenhouse. A 2 or 4 lamp fluorescent fixture placed 12" above the plants would be a good enough lighting in a basement environment. A heating cable may be necessary in an unheated greenhouse. At this time the stools will be on the dry side and water should be sprayed around the necks for the first few days. As time progresses the stools will acclimatize to the new surroundings. If the bottoms of the stools are dry, give them a good watering. Usually, it will only be necessary to spray around the necks but if they appear to be drying out, water them well but don't soak. New growth will be evident in the ensuing 2 or 3 weeks. These new shoots should be allowed to grow until they are 3" long. It is customary in our society to take cuttings rather than sow seeds as a means of propagation. By taking cuttings, we do not lose the colour of the cultivar. Good plants are grown each year by members of our society for sale to interested gardeners at our Spring Plant Sale. |
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