This system produced in the region
of 2,000 dahlia plants this spring, some of them were rather lanky
but those were the ones furthest from the light source. No problems
were encountered when transferring the plants into natural light,
with no noticeable difference between these plants and previous
years; however time would tell.
This is definitely the way forward for propagation. The savings in running costs of the system will pay for the initial high cost of the equipment which has an estimated life span of ten years. There is a 60% reduction in electricity cost using this system compared to the normal 3KW heater in a glasshouse, the savings will be even greater this year because of the reduction from a 17 hour to a 14 hour day.
After all the sweat and tears of
ironing out the system I would just like to say it was all worthwhile
and if proof be needed as to the success or failure of propagating
under totally artificial conditions I will let you judge for yourselves.
At the Scottish National Dahlia Show in 1994 1 won the Mrs. Talbot
Crosbie Trophy, 6 x 3 medium flowered dahlias. The Sandy Brown
Trophy, 1 x 3 medium dahlias, 1 x 3 small dahlias and 1 x 3 miniature
dahlias. The Robert McConnel Trophy, 3 x 5 miniature dahlias.
The six vase of medium dahlias was awarded the Stirling Trophy
for most meritorious dahlia exhibit in show. The vase of Nancy
Margaret from this exhibit was Best Vase of Dahlias in Show and
finally the vase of Peach Cupid from the Robert McConnel exhibit
was awarded Best Vase miniature dahlias in show.
I had several other successes throughout the season, one interesting
thing emerged, at every show I had at least one of my vases considered
for Best Vase Dahlias in Show.
I am writing this at the end of October. when all the dahlia tubers
have been lifted and they look in good condition. I hope these
notes on my experiences will help anyone considering such a system.
Safety. As mentioned earlier water and electricity do not mix, it is therefore essential to provide some form of protection in the event of anything going wrong. My system is supplied with electricity via an armoured underground cable fed from the house via a residual current circuit breaker. The slightest leakage in current will trip the supply to the outhouse since all metalwork is bonded together and earthed.
These lamps draw an initial high current when they start, if you think you may exceed the capacity of your supply then you should consult a qualified electrician. All electrical equipment should be placed in such a position so that should any spillage or flooding occur no electrical parts will get wet.
Cost per dahlia plant produced was 9 pence about 15 cents, this included all compost up to planting out time (1st June).