22 THE DAHLIA. 



CHAPTER IV 



POSITION, SOIL AND MANURE. 



ONE of the most important points in Dahlia culture is to select a suitable location, for unless 

 they are planted in an open situation, where they can get plenty of sun and air, the best 

 results cannot be obtained. True, they will grow and give some blooms in almost any 

 position, even where shaded by trees and buildings; but, as no plant is perfectly satisfactory 

 except at its best, it is always advisable to give such position and conditions as will conduce to its 

 highest state of development. 



The best position for Dahlias is in the garden, where, with but little attention, they will 

 grow luxuriantly and Woom profusely during the entire summer and autumn. The house can 

 thus be filled with lovely flowers at a time when, owing to the scarcity of other flowers, they are 

 most appreciated. Beside the garden. Dahlias may be planted along fences, singly or in groups on 

 the lawn, and in beds of any size or form desired, ^\ith most pleasing results. A large group or 

 bank of the profuse blooming varieties, planted in a corner or on one side of the grounds in such 

 manner that each succeeding row is higher than the one before it, is most beautiful and efiiective. 



Another favorite position is along an exposed walk or drive, where they may be planted 

 on either side and make a very attractive border. It must be remembered that the Dahlia requires 

 plenty of sunlight, air and water, and it .will not grow vigorously or bloom profusely where these 

 elements cannot be obtained.:- 



If planted in the sh^^de■of buildings, they will make' a tall but soft growth of plant and 

 will bloom but sparingly; while ih' the shade, of. trees their position is even worse, as they are not 

 only robbed of sunshine' by the branches above, but of moisture by the roots beneath. There- 

 fore, plant your Dahlias where nothing ;^iU "Obstruct the sunlight and the free circulation of 

 air above, or rob them of m,oistUr'e frofn bdneath, and you have 'taken the most important steps 

 toward their successful cultivation. ^ 



The soil is not so important,^ except in its ability to hold moisture during severe drouths. 

 Any rich soil that will grow corn will also grow Dahlias to perfection, if all other conditions 

 are favorable. They will grow equally well in clear sand, clay or gravel, if the proper kinds and 

 quantities of plant food is added and thoroughly worked in. While Dahlias will adapt themselves 

 to any soil, it may be well to state, however, that a gbod sandy loam is especially adapted to their 

 culture, owing to its drouth resisting qualities. Yet this is not of great importance, as everything- 

 depends on the treatment given and the fertility, rather than the quality, of the soil. 



Fertility goes hand in hand with position and is of great importance ; for no matter where 

 you plant your Dahlias or how good your treatment, they will not grow luxuriantly or bloom 

 freely unless there is abundance of available plant food in the soil. The plants being strong, 

 robust growers, are not particular as to what particular form or kind of fertilizer is given, 

 provided it contains the necessary elements required for their development. Any kind of well 

 rotted manure that is most convenient will give equally good results, if sufficient quantity is well 

 worked into the soil. 



It is always best to broadcast the manure and plow or spade it into the soil, while it is 

 absolutely necessary if it is not well decomposed. On heavy, clay or gravelly soils, loose, coarse 

 manure may be used (broadcasted and^plowed or spaded in of course) with excellent results, as 

 it ligh'tens the soil and allows a freer root growth, but on light or sandy soils the manure should 

 always be fine and well rotted. 



Commercial fertilizers are also largely used, and are most valuable when used in connection 



