CULTURE OF DAHLIAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

CULTURE OF DAHLIAS.

MANY IMPROVED STRAINS. The period from the middle of November until the end of December will bo found suitable) t'or tlio planting of tlio many varieties of cfahlias. The advent of the modern typo has revolutionised tho dahlia world and has brought tho cultivation of this flower up to tho highest pitch of popularity. Ilybridisers and other enthusiasts have beon busier than ever in tho production of now forms and exquisite shades and colourings. Tho oldfashioned doublo dahlia of such perfect formation has been superseded, at least for tho timo being, by what aro termed the modern dahlias comprising chiefly tho garden decorative sorts.

Ono of tho outstanding features of tho modern dahlia is tho length of stiff, wirelike stem, which carries tho liugo flower of tho giant decoratives well abovo tlio foliage. The plants, too, aro of robust, upright habit. Tho flowers aro well adapted for cutting. Tho miniature doublo pompom dahlias, of perfect form and symmetry, still retain their share of popularity. Being dwarf, compact growers, they aro well adapted for small gardens. Planted near the edges of tho beds and mixed borders they form a suitable foreground for the tall-flowering subjects. SOIL AND SITUATION. Dahlias can be grown ill almost any soil, but a fairly heavy loam is the best. They thrive in an open situation, but thoy must be well sheltered as the plants are brittle arid aro easily affected by strong winds. Tho flowers, too, aro apt to be bruised. In arranging tho plants allow 1 3ft. between tho r6ws and about 20in. between each plant in the rows. In tho mixed border allow about 3ft. between each plant. To protect tho plants at the start and to prevent injury to tho tubers when they have started into growth, drive a stout stake into the ground where each plant is to be put in. The dahlia is a gross feeder, consequently soma' well-rotted stable manure, or other suitable fertiliser should be incorporated with the soil at tho time of planting. Liquid manuring or surface mulching with manuro may be practised with advantage during tho flowering seaBon.

BEDDING BEGONIAS.

POPULAR VARIETIES. The semperflorens class of fibrousrooted begonias has attained great popularity. It is tho easiest to raiso and transplant and is unsurpassed for brilliant summor beds, well defined ribbon borders and edgings, and other ornamental bedding arrangements, Propagation is effected by sowing tho seeds and pricking the seedlings off into plant trays and growing them on until they arts largo enough tor planting out. They may also be increased by dividing the "old plants, this being tho simplest system of propagation for tho amateur. Thoso begonias aro also admirably adopted for growing in pots and window boxes. InteraporsecT with other plants they have a pretty effect. Tho colours aro most delightful arid attractive, tho shades varying from glowing scarlet to pale pink and white. They also vaiv in habit of growth comprising tall, medium and dwarf growers. All the varieties aro most florifcrous, continuing through tho summer until early winter They aro not affected by tho sun Tho foliage of ono ol tho mmson varieties is a russet crimson making it r most attractive betlder. Fibrous-rooted begonias transplanted from boxes or from divisions at iho present time will soon become established and will mako good flowering plants this summer. TUBEROUS-ROOTED VARIETIES. Tuberous-rooted begonias require more care in planting while greater attention is needed in tho preparation of the soil. They succeed best in u partially shaded situation as the strong sun is likely to burn the foliage. Arranged in separsia round beds with (he centres elevated from tho edges and tlio plants regularly arranged closely together they make, a glorious disDlav when iri full bloom. Tho single and double-flowered varieties may bo mixed together. Early in December, when tho temperature is moro uniform, is tho best timo to plant tlierri. Tlio soil requires to bo well pulverised and 'well enriched with manure. Propagation is effected by sowing seeds in pans under glass. Tho seeds being extremely small, great caro must bo exorcised in tho sowing. Merely scatter tho seeds on the surfaco and givo a light

dusting (if fino soil, (..'river with >i pane of glass and shade When tho seedlings aro largo enough to handle carefully prick them out into seed trays or pans and grow until large enough for planting out. TOR POT CULTURE. Tho valm of begonias as pot plants is well known. Both single and double flowered forms may, by successive changes from 3in. to 6in, pots, be grown into mag mficent spasimens. The doubles pro duce enormous flowers iri various lovely colours. Tho single varieties still retain their popularity. Some have beautiful frilled blooms There is a strain of beauti ful crested and frilled blossoms that, are held well above the foliage. The soil best suited for tuberous-rooted begonias consists of a mixture of good fibrous loam with a little peat, sand and rotted cow manure added. When the plants are established and growing freely they requiro liberal suppliea of water and an occauional application pi plant food.