Sometimes in February we have an unusually warm day in Michigan, the ground thaws out and it is possible to dig out a clump of chrysanthemums. If potted up and put in a sunny window, young sprouts will grow, and when these are 2-1/2 inches tall, cut just below a leaf joint and dip the end in Rootone and plant in sandy ground. These will be well rooted plants' by April and are just the right size for exchanging with friends, or just planting where needed.
Cuttings which are rooted in March will make a nicer size bush than cuttings made in April or May, but all cuttings will bloom at the same time, naturally those made later will only have a flower or two.
Dahlia tubers which have sprouted in storage but due to cold weather cannot be planted outdoors, can be increased this way also. When the sprouts are three inches long, dip the end in Rootone also and plant in sandy soil, water when needed. Don't separate the old sprout from the tuber, as it won't grow unless a part of last-year's stalk is attached.
A good way to divide a clump of tubers is to "plant the clump" in dampened peatmoss and after the new shoots appear, use a sharp short knife to cut each tuber so as to include the neck or at least a bud. When entire clumps are planted outdoors, they develop thickets of weak stalks which produce poor flowers and an ordinary number of tubers; but when divided correctly and planted separately they develop stout stalks and good blossoms and the increase in tubers is very gratifying, too.
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