DAHLIA, SINGLE 235 



revived attention more than the Single Dahlia, especially since a 

 few intelligent cultivators have taken it in hand, and produced many 

 varieties which are remarkable for intense and brilliant colouring, 

 combined with great beauty of form. 



The plant may be propagated from tubers in the same manner as 

 the double variety, but it will save both time and space during winter 

 to raise the required number from seed. The seedlings grow freely 

 and quickly, and will flower quite as early as those grown by the 

 more lengthy and troublesome method. Even those who possess a 

 stock of named sorts may with advantage raise a supply from seed, 

 especially as there is a probability of securing some charming novelty, 

 which is in itself no small incentive. 



Although the Dahlia is a tender plant, it is easily managed 

 in a greenhouse, or in a frame resting on a hot-bed. The seed may 

 be sown as early as January, but unless sufficient space is at command 

 to keep the plants stocky as they develop, it will be wise to wait 

 until February. A sowing then will produce plants forward enough 

 to bloom at the usual time. Even March will not be too late ; but 

 whatever time may be chosen, when the start has been made it 

 must be followed up with diligence, so as to avoid giving any check 

 from first to last. Sow thinly in pots or pans filled with ordinary 

 light rich compost, and cover the seed with a mere sprinkling of fine 

 earth. When the first pair of leaves attain the height of an inch, 

 pot off each plant singly close up to the base of the leaves. It is 

 not advisable to throw the weakly seedlings away ; these are the 

 very plants which are most likely to display new shades of colour or 

 marking, and therefore they are worth some additional trouble. 

 Although weak at the outset, they may, by judicious treatment, be 

 grown into a thriving and healthy condition. 



When potted, place the plants in heat, giving a little extra care 

 until growth has fairly started. In due time shift into larger sizes as 

 may be necessary, and then it will be wise to consider whether there 

 is space to grow the whole stock well. If not, do not hesitate to 

 sacrifice the surplus, and in doing so reject the rankest-growing 

 specimens, for these are least likely to produce a fine display of 

 bloom. It is mistaken practice to take out the top shoot, as this 

 checks the plant for no good end ; but when about six inches high, 

 each one will need the support of a stick. Give water freely, and air 

 on all suitable occasions. The least tendency to curled leaves indicates 

 something amiss, and demands immediate attention. A cold blast 

 may have stricken the plants, or the soil may be poor ; lack of 



