DAHLIA TUBERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1941, Page 8

DAHLIA TUBERS

SOME USEFUL HINTS. In the preparation of the old dahlia stools for propagation, inspection should be the first step. Go over them carefully cutting away any portions of the roots which show the slightest sign of decay. Some may prove to be too far gone to worth retaining, but it is actually possible to cut away a goodly portion of the roots without in any way spoiling the tubers for propagation. There is no doubt that, where exhibition blooms are the aim in view, cuttings are the ideal means of propagation. The finest quality plants and flowers are invariably so obtained; but division of the tubers is a perfectly practicable proposition where the plants are intended only for garden display. It is never advisable to plant old roots in their entirety. Instead, the tubers should be started cither in a frame or on a warm border toward the end of the month. When growth has started, they can be divided with a sharp knife, taking care to have a piece of the old stem with a growing shoot on each piece. All of the growth buds are situated at the base of the old stem and not upon the tubers themselves, hence the advisability of starting them into growth before attempting division.