of Dahlias. 131 



stems are weak we^ increase the distance slightly; if tubers are 

 set out, they should be covered about two inches. 



The planting season may commence early in May, and be 

 continued until July. A succession of roots may be set out 

 every fortnight for six weeks; for a main bloom, however, to 

 be in full splendor by the middle of September, from the 1st to 

 the 15th of June is the most proper time, that is, suppos- 

 ing the plants to be growing and well rooted in pots, and four or 

 five inches high. We have some data, which have been taken 

 by ourselves, of the progress of plants. They run thus: — 



Dahlias planted the 20th of June were budded the first of 

 August, and in full flower about the 25th of September. 



A few plants set out the 5th of July, and carefully attended, 

 were in bud the 10th of August, and in full bloom the oOth of 

 September. 



A few others planted the ISth of July, and encouraged as 

 much as possible, flowered in good perfection the 15th of Sep- 

 tember; these were dwarf varieties, (about three feet.) 



But we merely insert these facts, that those who desire it may 

 have some guide to the time of their flowering, from the period 

 of setting out the roots. 



Summer management, pruning, ^-c. — Considerable depends, 

 for the well doing of the plants, upon the summer culture, prun- 

 ing, &c. Few cultivators trim off the branches sufficiently to 

 keep the plants in good shape; and a larger portion of the growers, 

 in this country, never take a single lateral shoot from a plant. Some 

 kinds need but little pruning, whileothers require a monthly cutting 

 away of half the superfluous branches. We shall mention some 

 varieties which particularly need it. After the plants have be- 

 come established, and acquired the height of ten or twelve inch- 

 es, they should each be carefully staked with strong poles, cut 

 to or near the various heights which it is supposed the respect- 

 ive varieties will attain. These should be driven into the ground 

 sufficiently to hold them firm: tie the plJints neatly to them as 

 they advance, and allow no lateral shoots to grow within three or 

 four feet of the surface of the soil, for the tall growing kinds, 

 nor within fifteen or twenty inches for the dwarfs. If the weath- 

 er should be dry they will need water, and some old coarse ma- 

 nure, laid at and around the base of the stems, will keep the soil 

 cool and moist, and enhance the beauty and brilliancy of the 

 blooms. When the buds appear occasional supplies of liquid 

 manure, perhaps twice a week, will also be very beneficial. 

 Keep down all weeds, and no other care is requisite until the 

 roots are taken up. 



To prune dahlias judiciously requires some judgment and con- 

 siderable practice: it is always best to be on the safe side; and 

 to cut away too much is worse than too little. Commence with 



