DAHLIA
Family: Asteraceae
Watering - Water regularly during growing period, but dont over-water until the shoots appear.
Fertilising - Well rotted animal manure should be worked through the soil prior to planting. Top dress during growing period with a complete fertiliser.
Lifting and storage - Dahlias can be left undisturbed for many years. Clumps can be lifted when foliage has completely died down. Split them into smaller parts with one or two tubers attached, leaving some old stem on each of the tubers. Store in a cool place with some moist peat moss scattered over the top of the tubers. Frosts should never be allowed to settle directly onto lifted tubers.
Pests & diseases -Slugs and snails sometimes attack. If so, lay some snail pellets as shoots appear. Use a commercial spray to control red spider, grubs and aphids. Viruses may also affect plants and can not be cured. Affected plants should be destroyed.
Tips - Dahlias are an excellent cut flower. Staking may be necessary to prevent plants from falling over. Dahlias like to be picked, and this will produce flowers for a longer period. Pick flowers at a cool time of the day and dip stems in hot water for about 15 seconds before placing in vase. Dahlias enjoy neutral or alkaline soils, so adding lime to acidic soils is important.
