Milford chronicle. [volume] (Milford, Del.) 1878-1974, 1928-05-04
DAHLIA EXPERT
GIVES ADVICE FOR
THEIR CULTIVATION
Norman Swift Believes The Love For
Flowers Essential In Florists Work

Dahlias are among the Cinderallas of
the cultivated flower world.
This is the story Norman Swift, eX-
pert grower of dahlias, of Cranston
Heights, tells in an interview on the
cultivation of the flower.
From a place of comparative obscur-
ity few years ago." he said, 1.-The dah-
liza has become one of the most popular
flowers in the cut flower market. While
this increase in popularity is due in a
great measure to the improved varie-
ties, the fact that. florists have found
out how to treat them to increase their
keeping qualities has also been an i'm
portant factor in bringing about this
important change"
Concerning the cultivation of flowers
! in general, Mr. Swift laid down what
he considered the fundamental law.
Love for Flowers
Recently" he said, "in talking with
a successful dahlia grower, we found
that we both entered into the business
in the same manner. We first raised
dahlias because we liked the flowers
and allow me to say this is the most
essential thing in the business of grow
ing flowers, whether by professionals or
amateurs. Indeed, it is hard to con-
ceive haw any one could grow flowers
successfully, if he does not like them
well enough to give them the best pos
sible attention"
Mr.. Swift spoke principally of dahlia
cultivation for it is in that genus that
he is most vitality interested. Regarding
improvement Of the care of cut flowers,
he said, it has been found that by bur-
ming or scalding the ends of the stems,
the sap is prevented from escaping and
the flowers last much longer.
Mr.. Swift believes that it is best in |
hot season to cut flowers early in the |
morning when they are refreshed and /
vigorous, but late in the fall, when the
nights are cool, it is better to cut them
in the evening.
According to Mr.. Swift, the best time
for planting dahlias varies with the To-
cality. One of his rules, however, is
never plant when the ground is wet or
soggy and if possible, plant in an open
sunny site, at least three feet apart,
out of the reach of trees and shrubs.
Potato Fertilizer
He suggested that about two weeks
before planting time, the grower should
broadcast a good potato fertilizer COM
posed of four per cent nitrogen, six per
cent muriate of potash and eight per
cent pnOSpnOrlC aclu together WIFI an
equal amount of bone meal. This should
be spaded in well and the ground will
be ready to give the tubers a slight
when planted
Mr.. Swift was insstent that the tuber
,e placed fiat on its side with the eye
n sprout up. Should the sprout be
broken off, he said, another sprout will
srow again in its place.
Necessity of WATERING
do not water" Mr.. Swift continued
fter explaining the care of the plants
7hen they commence to sprout, until
he plants are in bud unles the weather
as been unusually hot and dry and the
djoining ground is not moist. Tubers
1ill decay in wet ground. When the
lants begin to bloom, water literally
t least twice a week, soak the soil
so that the water will reach
he roots. Spray the foliage, especially
fter the heat of the day during hot
oells Watering is one of the most es-
entail things in producing fine flow q
IS"
Mr.. Swift believes that green plants,
nder favorable conditions, are as good
5 tubers since they have less chance to
sease than roots.