A New Standard Chrysanthemum Cultivar, “Baekma” with Large White Flower

A new standard chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum) cultivar “Baekma” was released by National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI), Rural Development Administration (RDA), in 2004. The cross was made in 2001 between “Baeksun”, a summer flowering cultivar, and “Shinma”, a autumn flowering cultivar. The characteristics are investigated from 2002 to 2004 for the evaluation and selection of this variety, including shading culture in summer and retarding culture in autumn. The natural flowering time of “Baekma” is late September, but year-round flowering is possible by shading and lighting. It has large flower, around 13.8 cm in diameter, the number of the petals is 254 and the shape of outer petals is tubular. The flower is white, but shows light green in its center at the early stage of blooming. The days to flower from short day treatment is about 51 in autumn.