DAHLIAS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1756, 1 November 1905, Page 62

DAHLIAS

Double Florist Dahlias grown for fine blooms, exhibition, or otherwise, should have their leading side shoots drawn to separate stakes placed around the central one, and the main shoots may be drawn towards them somewhat horizontally, so far as it is practicable to do so without breaking them. Bear in mind, however, when so arranged in view of giving all the light and air possible to them, they must have tw r o or more separate ties in view of securing them against wind waving, or they will be broken off near their base. Remove all lesser shoots which form about the base and centrally, and keep a sharp lookout for injurious insect pests; also watch for finely-shaped, large bloom buds and remove all undesirable minor ones. Cactus Dahlias would bloom more freely and finely than they often do if—grown on fully exposed sunny sites—they were treated more as above than grown with all their shoots bundled together around a solitary stake. If only two or three stakes are -used for as many strong shoots, better results would be forthcoming.