Chrysanthemum plant named `Kiah`

#The present invention is directed to a new and distinct variety of Chrysanthemum botanically classified as Dendranthema grandiflora. The varietal denomination of the new chrysanthemum is `Kiah`.

#`Kiah` was discovered as a natural mutation in a controlled cultivated planting of the variety `Coral Pomona,` U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,841. The new variety has been asexually reproduced by vegetative cuttings in Ventura County, Calif. and the distinguishing characteristics are retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction.

#`Kiah` is a pot forcing chrysanthemum plant variety producing reddish bronze flowers and capable of being grown commercially in a greenhouse.

#The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the new variety with colors being as nearly true as possible with illustrations of this type.

#FIG. 1 shows the cultivar when grown as a pinched spray pot mum, and

#FIG. 2 is a close-up view of typical inflorescences.

#The following description of the new variety is of specimens grown in a greenhouse in Ventura County, Calif. in the month of October. `Kiah` has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations in the environment such as temperature, light intensity, day length and cultural conditions.

#Plants of the new variety have been grown successfully under temperature conditions averaging about 65.degree. F. at night and about 75.degree.-85.degree. F. during the day under light conditions of about 5,000-6,000 foot candles. The plants respond well to use of growth retardant, such as one 09 treatment at about 2500 ppm. To produce a commercial product the plants may be pinched once with the center bud removed. It has been observed that the shelf of `Kiah` is about 20 days with the response time of about 9 weeks. Color values are taken from The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.C.C.).

#Habit: Branching, somewhat spreading. `Kiah` is used as a potted plant. Shelf life of the potted plant is around 20 days.