224 BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 



make sure of a healthy, vigorous plant by digging the soil two or 

 three spades deep, and working in a dressing of decayed manure. 



The Dahlia loves plenty of good food, 

 and it loves moisture. A heavy soil will 

 suit it better than a light one. 



Planting. In mild districts Dahlias 

 may be planted early in May, but they 

 are tender, and no risks must be run. 

 If the young plants are growing health- 

 fully in their pots, and are fully venti- 

 lated throughout the spring, they will take 

 no harm until June, but it is advisable 

 DAHLIA CUTTINGS INSERTED to plant them at the beginning of that 

 A shows a cutting inserted singly in a month, or they may become pot-bound. 



small pot ; B shows how to insert J 



three or more in large pots, i.e. If the grower has good plants and has 



6-inch ones. 



prepared his ground liberally, he should 

 anticipate vigorous growth and allow plenty of room. Six feet 

 from plant to plant will not be too much. At the same time 

 that he puts them in he should insert 

 supports in the form of stout stakes 

 standing a clear four feet out of the 

 ground. These look rather obtrusive at 

 first, but they cannot very well be put 

 in at a later stage without injuring 

 the roots. The soil should be slightly 

 basined around the stem, not mounded. 

 In the one case, what liquid is supplied 

 is sure to get in ; in the other, part of it 

 may run away. 



Training. While vigour is desirable 

 on the ground that it promises free flowering and fine blooms, 

 some restriction may be necessary. Those whose object is a 

 limited number of fine flowers will be wise to reduce the main 



PLANTING DAHLIAS 



How to plant old tubers and fix stakes 

 before replacing the soil. 



