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Stopping Dahlias
In addition to stopping the plant to induce early flowering it is usual, particularly when grown for exhibition, to restrict the number of branches that each will bear in order that perfection of bloom may be achieved. The actual number that will be allowed to develop on any particular plant will naturally vary in accordance with the size of bloom, the vigour of the variety and the strength of the ground in which it is grown. It must be obvious, therefore, that a very fair knowledge of the capabilities of the dahlias grown, and of the soil, must be acquired.
Practically all other double flowered varieties will give excellent blooms if treated in similar fashion to the small decoratives, with the exception of one or two varieties in the miscellaneous section which have comparatively large blooms-Andries Wonder is an example; this variety will produce blooms up to it in. in diameter and should be treated accordingly as a giant decorative or cactus.
When very early blooms of giant varieties are required, the break bud is allowed by some growers to develop fully, and some of the side branches removed for some way down the main stem, immediately below the bud, to give a little extra length of stem when the bloom is cut. This treatment has the disadvantage that, though the first blooms are early, the succeeding blooms will come much later.
Although the main object of stopping is to produce early blooms, it must be understood that the plant must be in good condition at the time of stopping, otherwise the effect will be lost and the plant may receive such a check that it will bloom later than if left unstopped.
Treat miniature varieties similarly. Double Show and Fancy should be treated very similarly to the giant cactus if really heavy globular flowers of maximum size are required, but it is fairly obvious from the blooms exhibited at most shows throughout the country, that this point of view is unpopular.
Most exhibitors prefer to treat this class of dahlia in similar fashion to the medium cactus; this will give perfectly good blooms of reasonable size in greater quantity.
About the Author When you plant dahlia in your garden, plant it as close as possible to the stake that support it.
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