HYBRIDISING
This would be the most time consuming method of all, and a fair amount of skill, and knowledge, is required, such as pollinating, cross pollinating and compatibilityof cultivars being used, Records must be kept of the crossings At least two seasons, are required to assess the seedlings prospects.

MUTATIONS AND SPORTS
Here knowledge of the bloom and plant is necessary, so you can spot any difference in form, colour or leaves. Mutationas and sports arise because of the structure of the chrysanthemum itself. It is a chimaera, (which in Greek mythology is a fire breathing female monster, with a Lion’s head, body of a Goat, and a Serpents tail) however when applied to a Chrysanthemum, it is an organism, containing genetically different tissues in three distinct genetic layers.
(1*)The first (L.1) layer consists of the epidermis (skin of the plant) which covers all the ariel parts, ie. stem, leaves, and petals.
The (L.2.) layer is the thickest, and takes in the cortex (an outer layer of skin, immediately below the epidermis and phloem, (tissue which conducts food material to the plant and central areas of all the petals). The (L.3) layer consists of the roots, and the central core of the stem, including the xylon (woody tissue). Because it does not exist in the petals or leaves, it is the least important as far as mutationbreeding goes.

RADIATION AND CHEMICAL
Radiation
This is a totally different sphere of action, both methods have been proved beyond doubt. In the case of Radiation access to a means of applying the necessary dosage is beyond the reach of the reach of the normal grower, however it was highly successful with the creation by Tom Mechin of New Zealand, of the superior types of Anemones, which have produced Champion Blooms, among the worldwide shows over the past few years.

Chemical
Without a doubt this is the most interesting section of all, and I have personally devoted, many hours over the past twenty years in experimenting and practical attempts to produce just that something extra special. My real aim, or "Holy Grail" as you might say is to propagate a true Blue cultivar. The results I have achieved have been interesting. To date I certainly have not succeeded, but with more time on my hands, I am determined to carry on.
Chemicals I have used, have included "Alar" for retarding and dwarfing of plants, in the growing of "Fusuke". I was introduced to this by Graham Sharpe after his visit to Japan. I had great success, and grew some Champion Pot plants. This method is very rewarding and easy to use. I would recommend that it be used more often for the production of high quality pot plants. I found that Alar does have one disadvantage in that it tends to fade any pink, or red colours. It has now been superseded by "Bonsai" which is far superior in its action, although somewhat more expensive. A Litre however will last a considerable time.
Finally, there is "Colchicine" which is derived the bulb of the Colchicium Meadow Saffron, known as the Autumn Crocus. It is a plant that produces its flowers before the foliage appears, hence the name "Naked Ladies", has been given to it. It is very poisonous.
Colchicine acts on the nucleus of each plant cell, and actuallychanges the chromosome numbers, like radioactive isotopes. Colchicine is effective when applied to cells which are actually growing and actively dividing. The best place to find these cells is in the terminal branch buds, or terminal buds at tips of plants.
It is Colchicine that has transformed the present day African Violet.
There can be little doubt that the goal of developing new chrysanthemums, even the "Blue One!" is well worth aiming for. One thing is for sure, whatever method is adopted it will providean exciting approach to growing and raising Chrysanths, outside the normal propagation methods, whether you are an expert or novice.