chrysanthemum growing

hi all im thinking of growing chrysants on the allotment next year but have no clue how to get started can any one recommend any books or give me any advice i want to eventually get to show standard blooms well thats the plan but i do need to walk before i can run thanks

Hi sizer247
I start growing chryanths 2 years ago and found the site Yorkie posted was very good.
If anyone on your site are growing chrysanths get to know them because they may give you some of this years plants to start you off next year. I met someone thru work who started me off. New cuttings next year can cost about £2.50 each so getting your own from last year plants can save a lot of money and is not that hard.
As far as growing for show, that does cost a lot, the bloke who started me off, grows all his in a large polytunnel, has his soil analysed every year and has compost made up to order.
I've managed to get some good blooms, about 7in dia, and apart from having to tie up and de-bud they are not a lot of work.
Good Luck and Enjoy.