THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 



In packing and shipping dahlias keep in mind that the stems 

 must be kept full of sap, and the blooms dry. Place waxed 

 paper between them in order that they may not chafe each 

 other, and the stems do well if they are wrapped in wet cotton. 

 One grower scorches the ends of the stems when many are 

 shipped, so that the sap in the stem will not evaporate. 



If a light frost injures the tops of dahlia plants, and another 

 is not imminent, these tops may be cut off, and blooms will 

 suddenly break out from underneath. When at last, a sharp 

 frost has killed the plants allow them to stand a few days to 

 dry so that the roots will take strength from the sap of the 

 stems; but do not leave them long enough to start growth 

 again. Cut the stalks back to just above the ground. Re- 

 move the stakes and lift the clumps with a fork. If possible 

 have two people do this. They should stand opposite one 

 another, forking around the plant first, and then, forcing the 

 forks quite under the tubers, both lift together. Never pull 

 the clumps up by the stalks, and do not attempt to shake the 

 soil off. Such treatment only serves to break the tender necks. 



Tip the clumps upside down at once to allow the sap to run 

 out, and place in a cool airy shed to dry for a few days. Do 

 not leave them in the sun. They will evaporate quickly, and 

 sometimes start growth. Every clump should be labeled care- 

 fully at this time. As the old stalk dries out during the winter 

 it is liable to shrink and if a wire label is tied around it the 

 chances are it will drop off in the spring handling. Prick a 

 hole through the stalk and fasten the wire to it like an earring. 



Look the clumps over carefully before storing. No soil 

 which is damp should be attached to the tubers. All broken 

 tubers or those whose necks are strained should be removed. 

 Any tubers which show signs of decay should be cut off, and the 

 wound dusted with sulphur; otherwise the decay will attack 

 every root nearby. 



Pack only in clean sand. Some people recommend sawdust, 

 but I have found it too full of tannic acid. Some people will 

 recommend coal ashes. Mine have invariably dried out in 

 this. For ten years I have used nothing but sand, and have 

 averaged the carrying over of 95% of my roots, whatever the 



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