110 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
THE DAHLIA 
Dahlias may be grown in beds or borders away from 
large trees and the shade of buildings. The soil must 
be light, well drained, and moderately rich. Dig it up 
to the depth of a foot and thoroughly incorporate with 
it two or three inches of rotted barnyard manure, or 
mix in a handful of garden fertilizer. 
Plant dahha roots from the middle of April to the first 
of June. Set them from three to four feet apart, accord- 
ing to the variety. Pack the soil moderately around and 
above the roots, and cover to a depth of six inches. 
To start roots in cold frames, pack them close together 
without separating the bunches. Cover with an inch or 
two of sand and give them a moderate amount of mois- 
ture and plenty of air. About three weeks after plant- 
ing, or when the shoots have grown to a height of four 
or five inches, separate the bunches, leaving one good 
root with each shoot, and transplant to the garden. Set 
them in the soil so that almost the entire length of the 
shoot will be covered. 
Tall varieties will require stakes about three feet high. 
The best time to set these is when the roots are planted. 
Tie the dahlia to the stake when it is a foot high. If 
more than one shoot grows from a root, cut away all but 
one or two when the plants are three or four inches above 
the ground. To grow large flowers, remove some of the 
buds. When the buds are formed in groups of three, 
pinch out the two side buds. 
