DAHLIA CULTURE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 10 December 1927, Page 15

DAHLIA CULTURE.

These beautiful garden plants were introduced Horn Mexico in I<BV, but ilie form and colours have been so much altered that we are growing several distinct races showing every colour imaginable. There are lune distinct types of dahlias, namely, show, fancy, cactus, pompom, single, decorative,’ star, pueony and collarete. The tubers may be planted out in late spring, or the young plains during November and December m an open situation not shaded by trees, cue toiler varieties may be piaiiiv . in open beds or at sides of walks with godd effect.

The soil should be rich with plenty of rotted stable manure well dug m and mulched with leaves and grass clippings. The supporting stakes should be put in first and then plant close up to them in firm soil.

Dahlias are very brittle, and unless well staked are apt to get broken by the first strong wind. Water once or twice after planting until established. During the growing period they require plenty of water ami must be kept growing. Frequent apdientions of liquid manure and stimulants, such as sulphate of potash, when the plants are approaching flowering stage will add to the size and beauty of the flowers.

The plants should be carefully watched and guarded against the ravages of the slugs and caterpillars. Arsenate of lead sprayed over the foliage will stop the buds being spoilt by pests.