| If
you are growing Early exhibition chrysanthemums then the first half of
August invariably means bloom protection.
Bagging
Most of the cultivars I grow are protected by a bag of some kind. The
intermediates and incurved blooms are placed inside a greaseproof bag and
the reflexed blooms (with the exception of the Chempak Rose family) are
protected using a bloom frame and either a large greaseproof bag or a
micro -perforated transparent bag. See the videos on Bud and Bloom
Bagging.
Shading
All blooms are protected from strong sunlight using muslin. The muslin is
attached to the greenhouse structure and also pegged to straining wires
situated just below the roof of the shelter. See the video 'Bloom
Shading'.
Unable to resist
As the month progresses the sense of anticipation increases to the point
where the desire to see the blooms in the large bags usually means ripping
off a corner to take a peak inside.
Early Shows
Most areas have some early shows at the end of August, these shows provide
a great opportunity to brush away the cobwebs and get a few blooms on the
bench. |
