30 



THE DAHLIA. 



large and fine as it is possible for them to grow. It is here that the Dahlia is the ilower of the 

 people. If you want giant flowers work six (6) inches of manure in the soil, thoroughly 

 incorporating it into the soil to a depth of two (2) feet. Give thorough cultivation as described 

 before and disbud as described in the following chapter. 



I wish to particularly call attention to two comparative inconsistencies. Reniember, 

 everything depends on conditions of weather, soil, cultivation, etc. If you just want Dahlias, and 

 propose just to take ordinary care of them, and do no disbudding, you do not want your soil 

 too rich. Under these conditions fairly light soil is best. But if you will always keep the surface 

 loose, water when needed, disbud faithfully, you cannot get your soil too rich, nor does it 

 much matter how light or how heavy your soil may be. 



Hardened zvood is a great source of failure and discouragement. This is generally found 

 on rich soil, where the plants have been allowed to grow rampantly, after having been planted 

 early. I receive hundreds of letters each year on this subject. Do you advise pruning? is the 

 question usually asked. Yes! As stated elsewhere. Dahlias bloom on the soft or new growth 

 only, therefore to secure good and abundant bloom you must keep your plants growing. Cut 

 the large plants back heavily— two-thirds at least— so as to force a strong, vigorous new 



growth, and then disbud. (See next 

 chapter.) 



The same remedy applies to 

 dwarf, bushy growth equally ; keep 

 them growing. 



Some complain that Dahlias 

 will only bloom every other year. 

 That is, plants that do exceptionally 

 well this vear will not bloom well 

 next year. 



We do not have this trouble, 

 and if plants are grown and dis- 

 budded, given a top dressing when 

 showing signs of exhaustion, the 

 roots will not become exhausted and 

 will give equally good results year 

 after year. 



Bottom leaves. I am often 

 asked, shall I remove the bottom 

 leaves? This depends on conditions. 

 We prefer the lower or bottom 

 leaves on, as they protect the roots 

 from the hot sun. Keep your plants 

 growing vigorously and the bottom 

 leaves will remain green and lux- 

 uriant. If, however, owing to dry 

 weather or some other mishap, the 

 lower leaves become dry or damaged 

 that they affect the appearance of the 

 plant, remove them; but remember, 



if you can keep those bottom leaves 

 PHOTOGRAPH OF PLANT OF DAHLIA ^,.^^^ ^^ , , ,,, , 



JOHN WANAMAKER SHOWING ^"'"" ^"^ h^^^^hy you are also 



NATURAL GROWTH assured of healthy roots. 



