CHRYSANTHEMUM GROWING IN THE GDR - MAKING INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTION STAGES MORE EFFICIENT

In the GDR, all plant material for gardening and farming and all seeds are developed and produced under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Processing. On the production side, the Ministry works through an association of nationally-owned enterprises which includes production units for flowers and ornamental plants.

Of the chrysanthemums cultivated nationwide, 97 % are grown for cutting and only 3 % as pot plants. The total produced for cutting breaks up as follows:

• 18 % under controlled growth,
• 21 % grown outdoors,
• 5 % for mid-season cutting under glass and plastic roofing, and
• 53 % grown as late normal varieties.

This latter high percentage results from the cropping patterns followed in greenhouses where chrysanthemums for cutting are often grown after vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes, from the end of July until February. The assortment and production techniques are such that satisfactory supplies for the consumer can be guaranteed for the period from late October to mid-February. Especially on grounds of plant hygiene, the practice of rotating chrysanthemums and carnations has now been adopted on a larger scale.

Past experience has shown that the efficient production of cut flowers depends mainly on four factors:

1. Preserving the health of existing varieties and providing healthy and tested mother plants.
2. Making provisions for new and maintenance breeding.
3. Making young plants available in sufficient quantities at the right time.
4. Planning research into specific growing techniques.

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