WATERING DAHLIAS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 70, 15 December 1939, Page 16

WATERING DAHLIAS

Don’t Overdo It Too many growers ruin their chances of really good dahlia blooms by getting the hose out of the shed as soon as their plants are in the ground. By all means give the plants a little water when planting, but after that hang up the hose until early in January. Do not be afraid if your plants do not leap into growth immediately they are planted, as during the first week or so of their existence in their new beds they are establishing themselves; their roots are becoming accustomed to their new surroundings and are looking about for food, and the more they have to work for their living the better. They are laying the foundations of a fine strong building. I would mention that I make a rule (of course, I sometimes break it, but no oftener than I can help) not to water my dahlias till after Christmas, and I think it is to a large .extent due to this that my plants withstood so well the gales of last summer. Do not be in any hurry to give any manures to your plants after planting, but let them become thoroughly established first. Just about this time you might give them a little superphosphate and potash, and repeat that early in January, giving a meagre handful to each plant and working it lightly into the soil. On no account use nitrate ot soda, as this will cause the . soft, sappy and hurried growth you wish to avoid.