THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 



September, after blooming has been going on for sdme time. 

 Seeds must not be frosted. If they should be nearly ripe, and 

 frost is imminent, cut the pods with long stems, set in a glass 

 of water in a sunny window and allow to ripen and dry. 



It should be borne in mind that the dahlia is a mongrel, and 

 the blood of past generations reappear, so that often the child 

 may not resemble either parent. 



Do not be tempted to save plants which merely have pretty 

 fiowers. There are already too many mediocre types on the 

 market now, and too much repetition. Try to produce not 

 only that which is better than any other variety, but that 

 which is unlike any variety known. 



Do not plant dahlias too early. A few types which are slow 

 in starting should be put in by May 15th, and light frosts do 

 not injure the very young shoots. June is the planting month 

 as a rule, if the following summer is at all normal. Tubers 

 set out early will have made their full growth by the end of 

 June, and the scorching days ahead of them will check and in- 

 jure the plants so that the blossoms will never be fine. 



Dahlias should be planted three to four feet apart, and the 

 stakes should go in first. For the taller varieties buy from the 

 local lumberman 2x2 rough lumber. Cut it into six foot lengths, 

 and point one end of each. Wash them with some dark creo- 

 sote stain as protection from the weather, and to make them 

 less conspicuous, and tar the pointed end to protect against 

 rot in the ground. Force these down eighteen inches, exactly 

 where the plant is to grow. Drive a staple into the stake at 

 the top, and to it fasten the label with a copper wire. Dig a 

 hole next the stake eight inches deep, and wide enough to al- 

 low the tuber to lie flat with eye up. The eye should be close 

 to the stake, and the tuber lightly covered with about two 

 inches of soil, just enough to keep it from drying out. If neces- 

 sary pour a little water in the hole to tuck the soil around the 

 tuber, but do not press it down. In this way the warmth of 

 the sun will reach the tuber to start it into growth, and the 

 tender rootlets can work their way into the soil. As the shoot 

 grows, fill in the hole until it is level. Never hill a dahlia plant, 

 for that acts as a water-shed. 



394 



