Home & People The lovely dahlias

Press, 8 February 1980, Page 8

Home & People

The lovely dahlias

GARDENING |

By

M. Lusty

The quality and duration of flowering of dahlias can be enhanced and prolonged with a little effort.

Pinching back is of value to promote more sideshoots which means an increase in potential flowered bud promotion. Once these begin to develop, it is worth doing a little disbudding, even if there is no intention of exhibiting any of the bloom. A cluster of buds is normally reduced to one, the usual procedure being to remove the outside ones. However, it is best to examine them all carefully

before singling . out the one to keep so as to ensure that it is the best one. Where blooms are intended for exhibition purposes side laterals, w'ith exception of the bottom two, can be removed to provide a long clean stem, at the same time making provision for blooming later on in the season.

Staking is always advisable, particularly in exposed areas and- with the larger growing varieties. To avoid drawing the plant together, thus restricting air circulation and thereby risking the spread of dis-

ease and pests, it pays to support the individual flower stems rather than the whole plant. Panty hose or nylon stockings make ideal tying material or alternatively there are some good clasps and bands marketed and available for this purpose. When picking dahlias do so early in the morning or late at night. Once cut, thev should be placed in water immediately. Stems should be cut with a sharp knife as this helps to prolong their life. Many flower arrangers and exhibitors prefer

angled cuts as this can make it easier for the flower to draw up water. > After cutting, the stems should be dipped in boiling water • for about 30 seconds — no more than 25 mm of stem end should be subjected to this treatment — after which it should be put straight back into cold water.