I started growing when given stools by Frank Boyne and Donald Buchan in November 1984. Amongst these were three stools of Yellow Ginger Nut. This was my novice entry at the Aberdeen Chrysanthemum and Dahlia show in 1985. In 1987, Frank gave me some stock of Ginger Nut and I c ontinue to grow both varieties, despite the stock being attacked by White Rust in 1993, without apparent long-term effects.

Both varieties are grown identically, with the exception of stopping dates. (see later)

Propagation
I expect only 3-4 cutting s per stool and these are invariably short and short-jointed. This tendency seems to be getting worse. They are all taken in one batch, around mid-December, dipped in rooting powder and inserted in 50-50 peat/perlite or peat/vermiculite mix. They are potted up into 3.5 inch pots some 3-4 weeks later, using commercial JI No. 1 . Subsequently, around mid-March, they are re-potted into 5 inch pots using home-made JI No. 2. I have not yet found a need to sterilise the soil using this mixture.

Ginger Nut is stopped around 30th March, Yellow Ginger Nut 7-10 days later, if I want them at the same time.

Plot preparation
The plot is dug in October, sometimes incorporating manure, say once every three years. For 1995 I used Super-Dug and intend to continu e with this each year at present. Forking over is done in mid-April and Vitax Q4 is then raked in at 4oz per square yard. Sometimes this is incorporated with Seagold.

Planting out
The growing beds are 8x5 feet, planted in four rows of six, without of fset. The rows are aligned SE/NW, with a five foot wall and high shrubbery to the SE. As a result, exposure to the sunshine is less than I would wish. I have not used covers prior to planting in the past, but am doing so this year (1996), to compare t he benefits or otherwise. Planting out is done around 9 May, although I may bring this forward this year if the soil warms up sufficiently under cover.

All plants are reduced to two laterals when tying to canes at approximately 6-9 inches length.

Feeding and spraying
About 3-4 feeds of Vitafeed 101 are given during June/July. I have not used bloom feeding, but add foliar feed to the spraying mixture. My preferred spraying programme is a cocktail of Murphy's Systemic Insecticide and Nimrod T, this latter to prevent White Rust, applied at 7-10 day intervals from planting out. Aphis gossypii was a real menace in 1995 and so far I believe that we lack an effective treatment for this pest, which even managed to get inside the bags.

All laterals are disbudded promptly as the buds/sideshoots appear. Bud cocking is not a problem.

Bloom protection
Bud bags are applied at colour show and covers are added at this time. Bloom bags are used 7-10 days later. These are opened and lowered from the neck about a week before cutting.

Exhibition
I have on occasion shown as few as 0% and as many as 75% of those grown, but normally 40-50%. These are cut 36 hours before the show and stood in 12 inches of water. I have never found it necessary to boil the stems . Little dressing is required but they are easily marked during transportation.

End of the season
Marked stools are lifted at the beginning of October, roots are trimmed and all greenery removed. No washing is done and the stools are potted into 5inch pots, retaining the root-ball and adding some of the same soil if necessary. They are removed to a frost-free greenhouse and placed on the propagating bench at the beginning of November.

If you would like further information or wish to comment on this publication please send your e-mail to: paul.barlow@chrysanthemums.info

Last updated on 20 December, 2001