236 HOME FLORICULTURE 



you come to put it in the open ground, because its 

 vitality is low, while a strong, sturdy plant will not 

 seem to mind the change at all. 



The Dahlia is a very tender plant, and therefore 

 easily affected by cold nights and chilly weather. On 

 this account it ought not to be planted out until you 

 are sure that there will be no frost at night, and that 

 the days will be likely to remain warm. A continued 

 low temperature often seems to injure it almost as 

 much as a nipping frost. I do not dare put my plants 

 out before the first of June. 



This plant is a great eater. It likes food in 

 large quantities, and it cannot be too rich. It is also a 

 great drinker, and in order to secure the best results 

 food and drink must go together in liberal quantities. 



In preparing the garden for it, dig out the soil 

 where it is to stand to the depth of a foot and a half, 

 and put a liberal amount of rich manure in the bottom 

 of the hole. Make the soil in which you set the plants 

 light and mellow. Water well when you put them 

 out. If the weather is suitable to their needs, they 

 will go on growing as if nothing had happened. One 

 tuber, with a strong stalk attached, is as good as a 

 half dozen, if not better. It will make a large plant 

 by midsummer. 



As soon as the stalk begins to make rapid growth, 

 set a stout stake by it, and keep the plant well tied up 

 to prevent injury from storms and winds. Being 

 extremely brittle, the stalks are easily broken. 



When the plant begins to branch out, begin to give 

 water at least three times a week. Save all the slops 

 and wash water. Give each plant enough to soak the 

 soil thoroughly about its roots. It will be thankful for 

 anything you give it which contains any element of 

 plant food, and make rapid development. Grow a 

 plant in this way and note the difference between it 



