PLANT DAHLIAS NOW

Evening Star, Issue 21008, 23 January 1932, Page 21

PLANT DAHLIAS NOW

Dahlias give a good account of themselves on almost any class of soil, but attain the greatest perfection on deep, well-drained, loamy land. To bring light or sandy soils to a better condition it is advisable to dig in generous quantities of old cow Soils which are too stiff or are inclined to crack after watering may be improved by a good dressing of rotted stable or farmyard manure. Where practicable the beds should be prepared a week or two ahead of planting to allow the soil to settle. Drainage and Liming.—Soils which are badly drained should have this defect remedied, because dahlias dislike stagnant water at their roots, and also resent soil sourness, which is generated by poor drainage. After digging has been completed, a surface dressing of lime at the rate of not more than -Jib to each square yard will sweeten the land. Manures.—Bone dust, blood and boue, or a mixture of blood, bone, and super are all of service m growing extra fine blooms. They should be dug in deeply at the rate of a handful to every square yard, and may be used either alone or in conjunction with animal manure. Position and Staking,—A sunny aspect, sheltered from prevailing winds, is the ideal situation, but is not a necessity. Six feet stakes of suitable thickness should be driven in about 4ft apart, where each plant is to go. Staking after the plants are placed causes damage to . >ots. Time to Plant. —The planting season begins in September, and continues till early in January; at any time within these limits plants may be set with safety and success. The early-planted ones may be cut back after their first flush of flowers is past, and will make new growth and flower freely again in autumn. Tubers only are available till November, when plants grown from cuttings are ready. Both classes of plants produce good results. The Planting and Early Treatment.— Everything being ready, set each plant a few inches from its stake, and give sufficient water to settle the soil around its roots. Be sparing with water for a while till the plants start to move ahead, when they can absorb fair quantities. . hen the plants reach a foot in height they must have four or five inches of the top cut off. This induces them to make strong side branches, the best three or four of which must be encouraged and tied up as they grow; while the others aro suppressed. If large blooms are desired, remove some of the lateral shoots that form on the main branches, and when later on the clusters of flower buds appear remove all but the central or crown bud. Watering.—Right through the warm weather dahlias must have regular supplies of water at the roots, and they appreciate occasional hosing of the foliage after the heat of the day. Surface cultivation whib. the soil is in a moist condition is the time to apply liquid manure. Never commit the error of giving it to dry plants, and never apply it too strong. Liquid Manure.—Philo the soil over the foliage. Fresh cow manure, to which a 4in pot of soot was added, placed in a sugar bag and suspended for a few days in a barrel of water makes a good stimulant. It will need further diluting to tho colour of weak tea when being poured out. Start by giving a gallon to each plant, gradually increasing till matured plants get four gallons each at weekly intervals. Nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia at the rate of a tablespoonful to four gallons of water is less messy than cow manure and quite as efficient. Attention to Flowers. —Remove dead and dying flowers regularly, as this prolongs the flowering period. Cut with long stems. The keeping qualities of dahlias as cut flowers are excellent if tho blooms aro cut an hour after sunset and three or four inches of the stem immediately immersed in hot water for five minutes, afterwards being removed to cold water and kept in a cool place overnight. With clean water each succeeding morning dahlia blooms will I.,'t a week. Pests. —Fortunately dahlias are fairly free from pests, but sometimes thrips an., aphis attack them. These insects aro soon dispelled by spraying the plants with a nicotine preparation such as “ Black Leaf 40 ” or “ nicotine.” Caterpillars, which eat foliage or buds, are easily checked by spraying with arsonare of lead, using loz to two and a-half gallons of water. Lifting and Storing.—The time to lift is governed by the season. When the plants have withered sufficiently cut back to a foot from the ground. Leave for a few weeks, then lift, cut the stem hack to a knot, and store in a cool place away from draught.