For March, 1922 



85 



The Dahlia 



THOMAS PROCTOR 



THE Dahlia, now prominently identified as one of 

 our most beautiful Autumn flowering plants, has 

 rapidly advanced in popular favor during the last 

 few years. No doubt, the many new and gorgeous va- 

 rieties introduced by the hybridizers have in no small 

 measure contributed' greatly to the popularity of this 

 plant. 



There is now a vast contrast between the flowers of 

 the Dahlia we have today, from what they were twenty 

 or thirty years ago when we had but a few indifferent 

 varieties to adorn our homes with. Now we have hun- 

 dreds of rare and beautiful varieties to choose from, rep- 

 resented by all the colors of the rainbow. 



Cultivation 



The cultivation of the Dahlia is by no means difficult, 

 providing their wants are carefully attended to during 

 the growing season. One should bear in mind, for in- 

 stance, that the Dahlia is a moisture-loving subject, and 

 therefore, should never be allowed to suffer for the want 

 of water at any stage of its growth. 



While we all know that this plant will grow and pro- 

 duce flowers in almost any kind of soil and situation, 

 one who is ambitious to win the silver cup with his 

 blooms will endeavor to select the most promising loca- 

 tion he can find in order to make a success of his efforts. 



I have found that a level sunny position facing south, 

 and well protected from stormy winds, gives the best 

 results. If the grower has time at his disposal to trench 

 the ground for the reception of his plants the results will 

 be all the better for the extra labor involved. If that 

 is not feasible, digging or plowing will suffice ; in either 

 case, however, the ground should be incorporated with 

 well rotted cow manure with a small sprinkling of bone 

 meal included. 



Staking and Planting 



When the preparation of the ground is accomplished, 

 strong stakes should be provided and firmly placed in 

 position, four feet apart each way, and near the top of 

 each stake a six inch label tacked on for the name of the 

 variety to be planted. Around the bottom of the stakes 

 a little pulverized sheep manure forked in is of much 

 benefit in giving the young plants a start. 



It makes little difference whether tubers or rooted cut- 

 tings are used for planting. The varieties that are in- 

 tended for the production of exhibition blooms should 

 in no case be planted too early. June 5 to 10. or even 

 a little later will be quite soon enough for the latitude 

 of Long Island. If set out much in advance of the dates 

 mentioned, the plants will become exhausted, and con- 

 sequently will not produce exhibition blooms. When the 

 plants are six inches in height, the points are pinched 

 out in order to induce the plant to send up more growths. 

 As soon as conditions will permit, the young shoots 

 should be carefully tied to the stakes as they extend in 

 length. With varieties that are intended for the produc- 

 tion of exhibition blooms, one bud only should be left 

 on each shoot to develop ; otherwise, several buds may 

 be left on, as desired by the cultivator. 

 Feeding 



The Dahlia, like the Chrysanthemum, responds well to 

 generous treatment, and there is nothing better in my 

 opinion, than liquid cow and sheep manure for that pur- 

 pose, applied alternately twice or three times a week 

 according to conditions. Scotch soot also in liquid form 

 and used once a week when the buds are well advanced, 

 plays a very important part in the development and color 



of the blooms, as well as the foliage. Nitrate of soda 

 is also considered beneficial if used with discretion. 



Feeding should commence when the plants have become 

 well established, lightly at first, then gradually increasing 

 the strength until the maximum is reached, that is, when 

 the buds are well advanced. When the latter begin to 

 show color, feed lightly again until the blooms are three- 

 quarters developed ; then stop using the cow and sheep 

 manure, and finish off the blooms with a weak solution 

 of the Scotch soot. 



Insects 



Insects are troublesome in most sections of the country 

 and will do considerable damage to the foliage if not 

 checked in time. I find that Ivory soap, dissolved in 

 water and applied to the foliage with a spray pump once 

 a week will invariably prevent the ravages of all kinds 

 of insects and keep the foliage in healthy condition. 

 Winter Storage 



As the Dahlia is a very tender subject, the first good 

 frost generally ends its usefulness as a cut flower pro- 

 ducer. When that takes place, the stems should be cut 

 back to within eight or ten inches from the ground; the 

 labels with the names of the varieties taken from the 

 stakes and securely fastened to the stem that remains. 

 If the weather is dry and conditions otherwise favor- 

 able, the plants should be lifted — the dirt partly shaken 

 oft' — and transferred to a frost-proof cellar, where the 

 light is partially excluded, and be left there for the Win- 

 ter. Care must be taken to see that the tubers do not 

 shrivel, generally the result of a, too hot and dry atmos- 

 phere, if that condition should occur, sand or dirt, 

 scattered over the tubers, will in most cases remedy it. 



To get the best result from the plants it is essential 

 that the ground be constantly cultivated, not only to keep 

 down the weeds, but also to retain the moisture. This 

 should be particularly attended to when the weather is 

 dry and hot. Never allow the plants to wilt for want 

 of water or the result will be disastrous if exhibition 

 blooms are looked for. Be prepared at all times for the 

 sudden approach of destructive wind storms, or the plants 

 may be ruined, if not - protected and carefully tied to 

 the stakes. Remove all weak and useless growths ; also 

 flower buds that are in excess of those required for devel- 

 opment. The fewer the buds left, the better will be 

 the blooms. Keep a sharp lookout for insects, and before 

 they commence their depredations, apply the remedy as 

 advised for prevention. Study carefully the plant's re- 

 quirements at every stage of its career, and success should 

 be the reward. 



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