Then the Peony, or Art Dahlias as some are pleased 

 to designate them. These as a rule are semi-double, 

 petals are large, broad and often times irregular, 

 which adds more than it takes from their beauty. 



Dahlias will thrive in any kind of soil, providing 

 they have proper care. They give the best results in 

 sandy or loose soil that does not dry down hard after 

 watering. The heavier the soil, the more work and 

 fertilizer is required. Chemical action in heavy soils 

 seems to take up fertilizer much more rapidly than in 

 lighter soils. 



In Southern California, Dahlias can be planted any 

 time from March to July, coming into bloom in from 

 six to eight weeks after planting. They do quite well 

 in partial shade but full sunlight is best. 



To get the best results they should not be planted 

 closer than three feet in the row and four feet between 

 the rows. The ground should have a covering of either 

 cow or horse manure at least three inches deep, the 

 same being worked into the ground to a depth of 

 twelve inches. This should be done at least four or 

 five weeks before planting time, using care that none 

 of the manure comes in contact with the Dahlia tuber 

 when planting, as it may give 'them the scab, an in- 

 fectious disease to be avoided. Do not stand the tuber 

 on end, or plant in a vertical position but almost flat or 

 horizontal with the neck or bud end a little higher. 

 From .the top of the tuber to the top of the ground 

 when the tuber has been covered, it should be four 

 inches, in other words, the tuber should be planted 

 four inches deep, counting from the top of the tuber. 

 Keep the ground moist but not wet until they begin to 

 grow nicely. As they make stock and foliage, more 

 moisture is required. 



When the buds begin to mature, the irrigating, fer- 

 tilizing and cultivating begin in earnest. After irri- 



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