THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA. 



865 



MNl.l.K ilAlil.lA. 



LOLr.ARETTE DAHLIA STANDARD OF LYON. 



SINGLE DAHLIA SKNSATION. 



lighter stakes, such as the cane stakes we offer, con- 

 necting the upright stakes, tying them securely to each 

 so as to form a sort of lattice to which the outer 

 branches can be fastened. 



Some growers get along without staking the plants 

 by this method: When the shoot has made two sets of 

 leaves the tip is pinched out, leaving the two sets of 

 leaves but severing the main stem. This causes the 

 development of the branches from the axils of the 

 leaves, making a plant of more bushy habit which or- 

 dinarily is self-supporting. This method is not always 

 effective as the plants frequently break in wind storms, 

 and even with the weight of bloom they usually have 

 an unkempt appearance ; besides the branches droop 

 and the dowers are turned downward so that the plant 

 is not so ornamental nor are the flowers as good. The 

 method just described will suffice for Pompon vari- 

 eties ; but for all others I strongly advise staking. The 

 average root will make several shoots. Allow them to 

 grow until they make the first set of leaves, bv that 



time the strongest can be selected and the others cut 

 away below the surface. Sometimes two shoots may 

 be allowed to grow, but never more; as a rule one 

 shoot is sufficient. Tie the shoot to the stake when 

 about a foot high and do not neglect tying as the plant 

 develops, for this is very important. 



PRUNING AND DISBUDDING. 



Some plants will possibly require pruning out small 

 side branches and superfluous foliage when they are 

 too bushy. Never hesitate to do this, as it will help 

 the main flowering stems and result in a better crop of 

 flowers. Disbudding is also an essential feature of 

 growing the best flowers and should be done. The 

 buds are usually formed in groups of three, the central 

 one should remain, and the two side ones pinched out 

 as soon as the)' are large enough to be easily removed. 

 The remaining bud as a consequence will make a much 

 finer specimen. 



(Continued on page 892.) 



DOUHI.K DAHLIA CRAND DUK 



DLrORATIvn DAHLIA. 



CACTI'S DAIM.IA MRS. H. J. JONES. 



