PLANTING DAHLIAS. 



2 I 



in 3 -inch pots ; use good soil, return the plants to a warm house or pit, and shade 

 for a few days, then gradually harden by free, yet judicious ventilation. Early 

 in May transfer to 6-inch pots, and arrange the plants in a cool frame, removing 

 the sashes on favourable days, but replacing at night, also covering with mats if 

 there are any signs of frost. The plants will then assume a sturdy habit. This 

 is important, as if they are unduly weakened in the young state, they never make 

 satisfactory plants. 



Dahlias may be raised from seeds sown in pans on a hot-bed in March, the seedlings 

 transplanted in boxes of fine soil, and subsequently placed singly in 3 -inch pots. The 

 plants if treated as advised for others will flower the first season. 



Preparing the Ground and Planting. 



In the autumn or early spring, the ground selected for growing double dahlias 

 should be given a good coating 

 of manure, and be well dug 

 two feet deep. The most suit- 

 able soil is strong loam, but all 

 the other sections succeed on 

 poorer soil. 



The last week in May in 

 the south of England, and 

 early in June in the north, 

 is the best time for planting in 

 the open. Drive stakes (1| 

 inches square is a suitable 

 strength) into the ground 5 feet apart one way and 4 feet another ; make an excavation 

 1 foot deep, about 2 feet across, break up the bottom, add some good soil and decayed 

 manure, and place the plant in ; break up the soil well before filling in, and make 

 moderately firm with the foot; tie the plant to the bottom of the stake, the label 

 on the top, and mulch with manure two feet round the plant. This prevents evapora- 

 tion from the soil, and also feeds the plant when water is applied. If the weather is 

 dry sprinkle the plants every evening with clear water. A sharp look out must be 

 kept for slugs, a dusting of lime around the stem, but not touching it, is a good preven- 

 tive, but catching them at night is the surest mode of riddance. , ' 



Fig. 9. Young Dahlia Plants. 

 a, from a cluster of tubers ; b, from a cutting. 



