The most common fertilisers used in the growing of dahlias are Vitax Q 4 and Chempak B.T.D. The all puropose fertiliser Growmore is still popular among some growers.
Vitax Q 4 (5.3:7.5:10) is a well proven
top dressing and has been a firm favourite by many dahlia growers
for several years. For more information:- Vitax Ltd, Owen Street,
Coalville, Leicester, LE67 3DE, England. Telephone 01530
510060, Fax 01530 510299.
Chempak's all Purpose Base & Top Dressing can be used at all times anywhere in the garden and greenhouse. A combined quick and slow release product developed with the exhibitor and specialist who wants the best possible results. Use 68 - 102 grams per square metre or double this for hungry soils, new plantings or exhibition plants. Use for lawns and as a Spring dressing on beds and borders to give your plants the best possible boost.
Chempak Formula 3 (20:20:20) is a completely balanced feed with identical proportions of the primary plant nutrients which make it the perfect feed for all plants, all year round. This is used during the month of July as a liquid feed to keep the dahlias happy.
Chempak Formula 4 (15:15:30) has a higher potash content and is an ideal all-round Summer feed for flowers pot plants and vegetables. This is used during August and September to strengthen up the stems of the dahlias and deepen the colour of blooms
Chempak deals with the public through
their Garden Direct business which can be reached at Geddings
Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0LR, England. Telephone 01992 446699, Fax
01992 467908. Visit their web site at WWW.chempak.co.uk or e-mail: sales@chempak.co.uk
Quite a number of chemical sprays are
available for dahlias, however, I think the secret is not in which
one you use but to alternate between different brands on a regular
basis. The most common nuisances of the dahlia is Aphids
in the form of Greenfly and Blackfly not to forgetting Earwigs.
Sybol, Tumblebug and Rapid can be used on both, the problem
with Greenfly is the short breeding cycle. Spraying every
7 days is a must once Greenfly has taken hold.
Rapid does not affect Bees, Ladybirds or Lacewings.
Earwigs hide in the tops of canes and a little paraffin poured into the cane will quickly force them to leave the comfort of their home and allow you to deal with them manually.
Powdery Mildew, the only chemical I have used successfully against Powdery Mildew is Nimrod T. Nimrod T has a three way action, it is Systemic, immediately after application the chemical spreads through the leaf to give protection against Mildew. 2. Translaminar, the chemical is conducted through the leaf to kill Mildew on the underside. 3. Vapour, the vapour action helps to give better control where the foliage is dense. Repeat spraying at 10 to 14 day intervals.
Imperial Chemical Industries produce
a guide entitled Pest and Disease Control which is available free
of charge by sending a stamped self addressed 9 inch by 6 inch
envelope to ICI Garden Products, Department PD, Post Office Box
85, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7UB, England.