28 



JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In the cultivation of the Show Dahlia, the first thing is to 

 make up one's mind not to be baffled by the many obstacles 

 that stand in the way ere success is attained. Probably no 

 florist's flower has more enemies than the Dahlia, nor requires 

 more constant attention. Let none think that Dahlia-growing 

 is merely a hobby, that can be attended to by just a casual glance 

 round at them. It means real hard work and worry day and 

 night, and unless this is done no success will be achieved, and 

 the flower will be given up in disgust. 



On the other hand, no flower pays more liberally for proper 

 attention and care than the flower which is the subject of discus- 

 sion to-day. In the first place, let those who propose growing the 

 Show Dahlia in the future make up their minds as to the number 

 they are likely to grow, so that they can prepare the ground 

 during the winter months by deep trenching, and digging in 

 plenty of manure. Let the soil be laid up in a rough state, so 

 that the frosts, rains, and snows may pulverise and fertilise it and 

 help to keep the vermin down. This I consider far better than 

 to begin in April or May, as if suddenly remembering there is 

 such a flower as the Dahlia, and commencing then to dig and 

 manure to a great extent. Eeally, in my opinion, this is court- 

 ing failure. Though the Dahlia is a great feeder, I do not con- 

 sider it wise to give it a lot of manure to come into contact with, 

 as that has a great tendency to make the plant grow rank, and 

 throw coarse and rough blooms, thus spoiling all chance of 

 success. 



The plan I follow is, after the autumn digging, and some 

 time before planting, to dig out holes for each plant, and put in 

 say half a peck of good old rotted manure, thoroughly mixed with 

 the soil. This I find sufficient to give the plant a good start, 

 and to support it until it commences to flower. If a grower does 

 not grow his own plants it is best to give his orders in to the 

 trade as early as possible, so as to ensure sufficient of the sorts 

 required, for many sorts are shy workers, consequently the stock 

 of many of the best varieties is soon sold out. 



Early in May the plants will be despatched to their various 

 destinations ; probably little sturdy stuff in thumb-pots. When 

 received, put them into a warm frame or house for a few days, until 

 they are nicely rooted round the pots. Then pot into 5-inch or 

 7-inch pots in good loam and dung, with a little sharp sand. Place 



