90 The Amateur's Book of the Dahlia 



When the little green dahlia plants are set out, 

 the holes must be dug at least eight inches deep, 

 and after knocking the roots from the pots, they 

 should be set as close to the stake as possible. 

 Gently firm the soil around the roots, adding 

 about an inch of earth over the level of the potted 

 soil, and water thoroughly. Trim off any leaves 

 which may touch the ground and gradually fill 

 in as it grows taller, until again the ground is 

 level. This ensures a deep rooting system, one 

 of the secrets of success in dahlia culture. 



When the young plants grow to about fifteen 

 inches in height they should be tied loosely to 

 the stakes. At this time the stems are barely 

 the thickness of a pencil and one is tempted to tie 

 the string with the idea of giving the plant sup- 

 port. Unless the plant has grown rapidly and 

 become "leggy," actual support at that time 

 is hardly necessary. The string should be tied 

 very loosely about ten inches from the ground, 

 bearing in mind that the slender stalk will some- 

 times become six or more inches in circumfer- 

 ence. The plants are easily reached at this 

 time; and later, when they grow large and are 

 again tied further up, these lower supports hold 

 the main trunk firmly in place. The bushes 

 cannot swing about with the leverage they would 

 otherwise have, and thus the tissues run less 



