chrysanthemum [Ernst]

Grow young plants on starting in a 7.5cm pot in a loam based compost (JI No2) potting them on until they have reached a pot size of 23 - 30cm. At this stage use JI No3 compost and bring the plants into a cool greenhouse in the autumn minimum 10°C where they are to flower. Water moderately throughout the growing season and feed weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser

Cut back old stems to 5cm after the flowers have finished

Propagate by basal softwood cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be rooted in a loamless compost the surface of which is covered with dry sand and kept in a temperature of 16°C. Place in a cold frame after first rooting and protect from frost. Harden off in mid spring. Established clumps may be propagated by division in spring.

Prone to aphids, capsid bug, earwigs, eelworms, Glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly

Susceptible to powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and white rust diseases