If you are quite adept at growing plants generally, then the culture of quality chrysanthemums is relatively easy.

We are sure that you will understand that all plants need a fairly free run for their roots ( most plants will not grow in soil that sets like concrete), they need food just like yourself, they need a constant supply of moisture, and they need protection from pest and diseases.

Chrysanthemums are perennials. I.e. the top section dies back after flowering and a new growth comes from the base. In fact, the new growth that comes from the base develops whilst the current season's top section is growing. The plant makes what is known as a `stool'.

Much success can be had by simply dividing up the old stool in Spring. Improved results, however will be from striking cuttings.

The new season's plants are treated in a similar manner to planting tomatoes. Put them into the garden bed or pot and simply `firm them in'. Naturally, as good gardener, you will scatter some snail pellets around.

Assuming that you have added some manure and fertiliser to your garden bed, or some fertiliser to the potting mix, your plants will start to grow. With warmth, moisture and food, they will grow quite rapidly in fact. When the plants are about 20cms high, give them a pinch. Nature might beat you to doing this for a chrysanthemum plant will make what is known as a break bud at the tip and, just like pinching, it will cause the main stem to send out `breaks' or side branches.

When you decide how many branches you are going to leave, then you must provide some support for each of them. Individual staking is recommended but there are other means of course.

If left to themselves, each branch will produce about thirty leaves and then produce what is known as a `first-crown' flowering bud. Unless you in live in Tasmania or Victoria (or maybe in an area where ` cold climate' plants grow, I.e. a Tulip-growing area), first crown buds will not be of much use to you. Rub them off.