阅读理解。
People have been growing chrysanthemums (菊花) for more than 2,000 years. Chrysanthemums
make bright and colorful gardens. People in China and other countries make tea with the flowers.
One basic kind of chrysanthemums is the garden chrysanthemum. The other basic kind is the florist
chrysanthemum. The garden chrysanthemum is better able to handle different growing conditions.
There are many varieties of chrysanthemums. The decorative chrysanthemum is often seen in gardens. Another popular type, the quill chrysanthemum, has long, straight petals (花瓣) like a tube
or needle.
Chrysanthemum blooms(花) can be white, yellow, gold, red, or other colors. The plants often
grow one meter high.
The soil for chrysanthemums should be kept moist (潮湿) but well drained so it does not get too
wet.
Newly-planted chrysanthemums should be watered two or three times a week, depending on conditions. Plants established in the ground may do well just with normal rainfall.
Chrysanthemums grow best in full sunshine. They produce colorful blooms when days get shorter and
nights get longer. The life cycle of the plant depends on the amount of daylight. This is why experts advise
against placing chrysanthemums near nightlights or streetlights. The night may
interfere (干扰) with their normal growth cycle. The plants may develop buds(花苞) too soon.
In climates where temperatures fall below freezing, plant chrysanthemums at least six weeks before the
first frost. That way, the plants will be well established for cold weather.
Some gardeners say the most beautiful presentation comes from planting chrysanthemums close
together. But be sure to leave enough space to let air flow between the plants. If not, there may be a
greater chance of disease.
To get more blooms, gardeners pinch out (掐掉) the branches when new growth has reached
fifteen centimeters. Squeeze (压缩) about five to seven centimeters off each branch. Pinch it again when a branch grows another twelve to fifteen centimeters. Stop the pinching about one hundred
days before you want the plants to bloom.
1. What has a great effect on the life cycle of the chrysanthemums?
A. The conditions of the soil.
B. The amount of daylight.
C. The amount of rainfall.
D. Cold weather.
2. Why do gardeners pinch out the branches when new growth reaches certain length?
A. To make chrysanthemums grow thick.
B. To get more blooms.
C. To prevent chrysanthemums from falling ill.
D. To let air flow between the plants.
3. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. Growing chrysanthemums has a very long history and all the people in the world like
making teawith chrysanthemums.
B. chrysanthemums can grow one meter high and the closer they are planted, the higher they grow.
C. Though planting chrysanthemums close together can make them look more beautiful, enough
space should be left.
D. The petals of chrysanthemums are long and straight and the more water chrysanthemums get,
the more quickly they grow.
4. From the text we can know ____.
A. Florist chrysanthemums are more difficult in handling different growing conditions.
B. China has the longest history of growing chrysanthemums.
C. In case the plants develop buds too soon we'd better not put them near lights.
D. There are five colors of chrysanthemums in total.
