GROWING OF DAHLIAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18802, 3 March 1923, Page 17

GROWING OF DAHLIAS

GARDENING CLUB LECTURE. Mr J. P. Johnson, who was the lecturer at the last mooting of the Dunedin Gardening Club, dealt with the cultivation of the dahlia in the course of an interesting and instructive paper. Dealing first with the matter of preparation for show' purposes, Mr Johnson said that it was absolutely essential that dahlias should have good cultivation. The ground Jmist be prepared in the winter months hv well trenching the ground, the best method being to spread the manure over the trenched ground and dig it in. Farmyard manure was preferable. By this means the manure could be kept near the surface, and as the dahlia tubers fed close to the surface they would derive the full benefit at once. If the manure was put deep down in the trench they would never reach it. It would he noticed that the roots wore tubers and the feeding fibres were thrown out from these. These tubers were formed to carry the plants through the winter months during their dormant period, A common and serious mistake, continued Jhe lecturer, is to stake after the riant is in full growth. Staking at that period injures the roots and naturally retards the growth. The proper method is to stake before planting. The stakes should be 3ft apart in rows and sft apart between rows and placed alternately. After the plants have grown about Ift make the first tie and from that on see that they are tied regularly. Cactus and show dahlias give more growth, and the stakes will have to be 4ft above the ground level. J. or collarettes, peony flowering, and decorations 3ft will he ample : star dahlias and pompoms 2ft 6in. Be sure that the stakes are in a straight row, and prop the plants on the one side of the stake. In planting set the tubers the first week in November with the growth about 2in to 3in from the stake. If planted too close it will be noticed that when growth commences they will be pressed hard against the stake and apt to injure the plant. When planting see that the crown is 2in below the ground level, and always leave a hollow or basin to collect the waler when watering. Firm the soil round the tubers when planting. Growth is more rapid after careful planting. In labelling see that each plant has a label and the name written plainly. On no account trust to memory. The I2in totara label is preferable. In dividing the tubers after they have made 4in to 6in of growth always leave two strong shoots. After they have been planted and growth has commenced take away tire weak one and leave the stronger, as you will always get a better plant from a single shoot and also very much superior flowers under these conditions. As the plant grows it will be noticed that a side shoot will grow from each leaflet, this being termed a lateral. If grown for show purposes it will be necessary to limit the plant to from throe to five laterals. As these laterals grow sub-laterals will appear from each leaflet. These must be taken a\Vay. Three buds will appear, on the top. Take the two side ones- 1 -away and leave the main bud. Some- difficulty may be experienced in timing these buds, as no bud should be allowed to grow until six weeks before the show, and then one should be allowed to come every four days until you have the required number. It should be remembered that dahlias require plenty of moisture and are excessive feeders, it will therefore be necessary to give on unlimited supply of water. They should bo "watered ’Overhead at least twice a week during the growing season. After the beds have* fprmo'cL' liqtilH"’.manure may be given twice a-week.- Three weeks before the show the bed should have a good top-dressing of manure (stable manure), -.us will help to' retain the moisture in the ground, and also feed the plant and keep the sun from scorching the surface feeding roots. This little extra work will work wonders, and the plant and the growth and the size of flowers will astonish the grower. Do not be afraid to overwater, as they will absorb all they can get. Among dahlias the collarette variety stands alone, being more erect in growth and holding the flowers well above the foliage. It always has a nice bright appearance. The blooms come just as the roses and other summer flowers are going off. This is why the dahlia is termed the queen of autumn. The collarette dahlia requires the same preparation of soil as mentioned above, but only three laterals will bo required, allowing all sub-laterals to grow. They should all bo disbudded to allow one flower to each stem so that when one wants to cut thorn they will have one good flower with a long stem. For garden purposes all dahlias can be grown under the same system as civen to collarettes. Slugs are exceptionally fond of dahlias, and the best method I find to check them is newly-slaked lime apnlied through a piece of painter’s scrim. Dust over the lied during the evening from 9 p.m. This is the time the slug makes his appearance. If this dusting is done three nights in succession you probably will not ho bothered with the nests again. A very fine dusting is all that is necessary. If you are troubled with the earwig the only method worth applying is trapping them.

The* time for lifting is after the first frost cuts them down. Cut the phmt a foot from the ground. lift, and shako all soil from the tuber. Tie the label to the stem, and leave in (he sun till dry. Then place in a collar or shed away .from any frost Take out in August and place in sunny position on the ground, and cover with soil, makibg a ridge like a potato drill. Growth will then start., and they can be lifted and divided ready for planting.

The blooms should be cut verv early (he morning of the show, and placed in water. When showing’ see that the best blooms are in the back row and arrange so that two reds or two whites will not, come together. Blend your colours accordingly. Should the stem bo bent secure a piece of hollow wood, bamboo, or pea blower (Cape fuchsia), and place'the stem through it. This will hold the flower erect. This applies to cactus and show varieties. Collarettes, on the other hand, are shown..in rases. They should have -stiff stems- abotrtr lftr longhandhold flowers*"erect, and they should be packed with moss in the vase to hold them in position and tiered if possible. The colour of the collarette dahlia should be quite distinct from the petals. ‘ The petals should bo flat, and the whole flower should have a round appearance. There should be eight petals. If the flower has more it is deformed. At the close of his address Mr Johnson answered a number of questions, and was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks. There was exhibited at the meeting a collection of exceedingly well-grown 'sweet peas from Mr L. Fraser, of Ross Creek Reservoir. A few examples of the cactus dahlia from Mr I. Passmore, and sprays of Callistemon speciosia and Eryngmium gigantic in bloom from Mr J. W. MTnlyre were also shown.