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Soil nutrients and fertilizers.
To ensure healthy plant growth, fertilizers containing nutrients may be added to the soil, this is necessary
when the soil is unable to provide adequate amounts of the nutrients required. On the majority of soils only nitrogen,
which promotes vigorous growth, phosphates, for assisting strong root growth, and potash which improves flowering need to
be added regularly.
Manures, although they may vary in quality, normally contain high levels of micronutrients, and are a long-term
source of nitrogen. They also provide conditions in which worms thrive, improves the structure and water content of most soils
and since this encourages root growth, it increases the plants uptake of nutrients.
Nutrient content of Fertilizers
These are a few of the many fertilizers that are available. I hope the table will allow one to determine
what to use to produce the best results, it sometimes takes many years of recording your achievements to end with the right
formula.
A general recommendation is to feed Chempak No 2 , June and July; and Chempak No 4 from August onwards.
As can be seen from the table, high nitrogen at the beginning and high potash at the end.
Planting and location
Dahlias will grow in any soil and in any location, but to achieve show quality plants you must be selective.
Dahlias thrive in well drained fertile soil ( pH7 is ideal), in a sunny position and preferable sheltered
from the wind.
The cuttings should be planted, with a top dressing say fish blood and bone,
at least 3ft apart with 3/4ft between rows. The closer they are together the taller the plant will grow,
this is sometimes to the detriment of the bloom.
Plants should be watered moderately until 15" high. At this height the plant should be have secure staking
placed around it, at least 3ft high, for future support. Regular watering and feeding is essential, especially in hot dry
conditions, preferably in the evening.
Stopping and disbudding
When the plant has reached 15" high stop the plant by removing the growing point, this is to encourage sideshoots.
The number of shoots allowed should depend on the size of blooms required. Large 4 shoots,medium 6 and small 8+. This is normally
mid June.
To encourage show quality blooms all of the side (wing) buds should be removed leaving only the central
or crown bud on the stem.
If you require additional information on growing or obtaining other varieties
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