Propagation (see video taking
cuttings)
Propagation of my cuttings is completed during the early part of
January.
Potting On (see video Potting On)
The earliest cuttings from November are now ready to be moved on into
larger containers. I am putting twelve plants in a standard sized seed
tray, although I have used individual 3 inch and 3.5 inch pots in the
past. The reason for using seed trays is largely for the convenience of
being able to move twelve plants in one container.
Compost
I use a multi purpose soilless compost mixed with John Innes No 2 (three
parts to one part) with the addition of DCM antagon for the beneficial
fungi it contains to improve the root system.
Update: Compost mixes
2011
In recent years compost manufacturers have been encouraged to
incorporate recycled materials into what were previously 100% peat based
composts, additionally they have incorporated water retention chemicals.
There two factors have influenced the performance of the compost to the
extent that I was not happy to use such composts for my chrysanthemums.
So, for 2011 I have been
making my own composts using the following components:
- 50% riddled compost from earlies grown in pots in 2010
- 50% newly bought Irish Moss peat
To each 6 gallons of the
above I added:
- Chempak Multipurpose Potting base in accordance with instructions on the
packet
- 2 ounces of DCM Antagon
This mixture is being used
at all stages from propagation to final potting.
Watering
Plants are watered when they begin to flag. Stopping
(see video Stopping)
The earliest stop is for 'Lynn Johnson' and is done towards the end of
February. |