FLOWERING PERIODS OF GARDEN CHRYSANTHEMUM (CHRYSANTHEMUM × HORTORUM) CULTIVARS AND HYBRIDSIN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CAUCASUS BLACK SEA COAST

The stages of anthodiums flowering were investigated in 9 cultivars and 7 hybrids of garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × hortorum Bailey) collected at FRC SSC RAS. All the studied chrysanthemum forms were divided into three groups according to the stages of anthodiums development: early-flowering (flowering from October 18–25 to November 15–22); average-flowering (flowering from October 25– 30 to November 20–30), late-flowering (flowering from October 29 – November 5 to December 20–26). the longest flowering periods were identified in the forms: ‘Balun’, ‘Etrusco’, ‘Annecy White’,’ Zembla Lime’, and K-141-1. In the conditions of the Caucasus Black Sea coast, chrysanthemums mainly bloom in the periods from midOctober to mid-December, and some (‘Etrusco’, ‘Annecy White’, Zh-108-2) bloom until the end of December, when the daylight duration becomes less than 11 hours. Buds initiation begins when the daylight is reduced to 12 hours. Chrysanthemum blooming also depends on the temperature factor