THE GARDEN.

Shannon News, 9 January 1925, Page 4

THE GARDEN.

Dahlias and their Culture. The cultivation of the dahlia may be divided into two clearly defined sections, namely for exhibition and garden display. Few 'species of flowers are so well adapted for either purpose and few flowers possess such a long flowering period, as if grown for de. coration their culture is simple, while, taken as an exhibition subject, especially for the person with small means, the dahlias is second to none, An exhibition flower to be really popular, must require some considable skill in raising, and the 1 dahlia needs just the car e and attention sufficient to impart zest to the competitor, without the need of any elaborate appliances or greenhouse . frames. Taking its culture for exhibii tion we will presume that the ground hag been well and deeply dug, accord, ing to directions given in this I column some weeks ago, rich soil is the next essential, as the dahlia is a gross feeder, being one of our garden plants that rarely suffer from over feeding. As regards the general routine work we will deal with the cactus dahlia. This will give an idea of what is suitable for all sections, with slight-vari-ations. If the plants are already set out, put a stake to each plant, from four to five feet in height and tie at once. If the weather is dry, water occasionally until the plants are established and as soon as the plants have grown to a height of fifteen inches, cut out the tips. From the side shoots which now break forth at each joint, select six or eight and allow these to grow, and eventually flower. In a month's time two additional stakes should be put to each plant, and rough string run round th« three stakes, just high enough for the young shoots to reach when each should be loosely secured with raffia to the rough string. As the shoots grow, add another string, and so on. At the end of another month the plants will have attained a trim, well kept appearance and will be quite secure from wind. Now comes the question of. thinning and feeding. If the largest flowers are looked for, only the central bud on each main shoot should be left, and the side growths, down to three joints removed as well, some varieties will also require a few big leaves cut offi and it is always safe to cut out an weak looking shoots. When the buds appear, feeding may commence. In dry seasons put some fresh cow or sheep manure into a tub or whatever is kept for the purpose, adding a quantity of soot if available, and

brew a strong dark coloured mixture. To each plant give two gallons as often as water is needed, about twice a week would meet the case in dry weather. If the season is wet, Sprinkle artificial manure and soot around each plant, and let it wash in. The artificial may also be used when watering as the dahlia is not fastidious as to it s choice of fertilisers. Taking the dahlia as a garden plant, our task is simplified, as quantity rather than quality is our chief aim. All sections are suitable for this purpose, although in the case, of cactus dahlias preference should be given to the stiff stemmed varieties, which hold up their heads well. As in the case of exhibition plants, the soil should be well worked, but ng thinning or disbudding is necessary. A brief description of the chief sections of the dahlia family may be or use • to beginners. ( The cactus dahlias are among the most beautiful, and are those with Long narrow pointed florets, full to th e centre, some varieties being perfectly incurved and others stretching their florets out starjike. Then there is a striking: class of dahlias known as decorative which embrace many nondescript forms. Those termed giant are large, or huge, would more aptly describe them, they have broad flat florets, full to the centre, they are easy to grow and have no special show "points" in the case of the cactus a full high pointed centre is essential for a good show bloom. Double, or show dahlias are the round ear wiggy, old fashioned sort having a perfectly symmetrical outline. Those known as paeony flowered ar e semi-double, with flatfish florets, jtnore or less irregular and informal. They are most suitable for masses of colour in the flower border, and a wide range of colours is obtainable. Pompom dahlias are the tiny round varieties, and should be grown in every garden, where a display is wanted, as they ar e very bright and effective. Then there are the col. larettes, the daintiest of all the family. These have eight petals as in single dahlias, but each main petal has a tuft or collar of secondary florets, usually of a contrasting colour, they are unequalled for all decorative purposes, and last well when cut, and placed in water. Briefly summing up, the secrets of success are four in number: —Dig deep, manure well, plant good varieties, and above all securely stake and tie the shoots against damage by winds.

On looking, up historical notes on the dahlia, it would appear that the dahlia has been grown in Europe since 1789 in which year the Mexico botanic gardens sent three varieties to Madrid. It was then a new ana unknown plant, and after it had flowered in the Madrid botanic garden, it was named "dahlia," out of respe.es for the great Swedish botanist.' Andre Dahl. These varieties were named dahlia pinnata, Drosea, and Dicocclnea and were all large flat petalled single varieties.. It s reputed Introduction into England in 1789, was an error, which has been proved beyond dispute, as It was not until 1798 that the plant reached England, and was grown at Kew for a few years, and then disappeared. The credit of its second In troduction into England is due to Lady Holland, who sent seeds home from Spain. Since that time its cultivation has been continuous, and taken in hand by skilful florists, it quickly improved in size, colour, and form and it was not long before it took rank as an exhibition flower. The great object in the early days was to get the flower to double. By referring to num. erous publications, this seemed to be a slow and gradual process, which was ultimately accomplished, the result being that type known as the old show varieey; big, solid globular flowers, which were once the pride of the dahlia fancy, but which of late years, have been somewhat eclipsed by the less formal looking novelties. The cactus type also original from Mexico, and the first example of the collarette section was raised at I#ons in France. To encourage it s culture, the national dahlia society was founded many years ago, and still continues while in America, remarkable progress has been made in dahlia cultivation with the aid of the American Dahlia Society.