Published at 16:10, Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Attention to detail is the key to producing spectacular prize chrysanthemums, David Haigh learns from a champion grower based in Kendal

Rod Holmes, of Kendal

Attention to detail is the key to producing spectacular prize chrysanthemums,
David Haigh learns from a champion grower based in Kendal
Rod Holmes of Kendal was a keen sportsman who loved playing and winning at cricket and football.
That was 35 years ago before a serious illness resulted in open heart surgery. Ever since then, his competitive spirit has been channelled into growing and showing chrysanthemums.
While he was recuperating, his wife
Kath’s cousin gave Rod some cuttings. He grew what he thought were fabulous
blooms, until he visited the Westmorland Horticultural Society Show at Kendal where the truth became glaringly obvious. “I saw how they could be grown,” he says. “So I talked to other growers, got advice and made friendships which have endured.”
Since then Rod has amassed dozens of first prizes and cups. At this year’s Westmorland Horticultural Society Show he not only won first prize, but his exhibit was judged best in the entire show, for which he was awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon.
To grow top quality blooms you must select varieties recommended for showing. Rod rigorously practises stock selection. Every year he assesses the performance of his plants and keeps only the best from which to propagate next year’s crop.
According to Rod: “The key to success with chrysanthemums, which are one of the most demanding flowers to grow to perfection, is attention to detail and timing
of all aspects of cultivation. With chrysanthemums you only get one chance – if pests or diseases take your flower buds that’s it for the year, they don’t come again.”
When I visited at the end of October, Rod’s chrysanthemum stools (rootstock) were asleep in his cold greenhouse. From late December onwards, they are moved into his heated greenhouse and are encouraged to make new growth from which cuttings will
be taken.
The dates on which cuttings are rooted are critical, because the interval between striking cuttings and flowering varies with the variety. Timing blooms for shows relies on knowledge accumulated over the years.
Stopping is the removal of the growing point of the young plant to encourage it to produce side shoots. Stopping dates are given in some catalogues but have to be adjusted to suit local climatic conditions.
Flower buds are secured when the size of a small pea. For single blooms, the central or king bud is the only bud retained and with sprays the king bud is the only one removed.
The opening flowers are often protected from pests, diseases and adverse weather conditions with special greaseproof-paper bags. Rod says: “If you are serious about showing you have to take precautions.”

Published by http://www.cumbrialife.co.uk