PROPAGATING DAHLIAS. 



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Bedding Dahlias. — These are of the " show " type, selected for dwarfness in habit 

 and free-flowering qualities for making an imposing display in gardens. 



Single Dahlias. — Should consist of one row of florets, just overlapping each other, 

 and each petal slightly reflexing, like Mrs. Henshaw. 



Single Cactus Dahlias.— Like ordinary singles, 

 should consist of one row of florets, each twisting in a 

 spiral form and slightly incurving, like Ivanhoe. 



Tom Thumb Dahlias. — Should have flowers similar 

 to single dahlias, borne on stems 8 inches above the 

 plant, which should be about a foot in height. 



Propagation. 



Fig. 6. Ground Root or Dahlia. 



Presuming the tuberous roots (Fig. 6) have been 

 well preserved from frost during the winter, and that there is a suitable place for 

 starting them into growth, such as the front of a vinery, or propagating pit, or even 

 a frame on a hot-bed, place the roots in soil early in January, leaving the crowns 



Fig. 7. Dahlia Cuttings. 

 Gross hollow stems (a) useless ; small solid stems (6) emit roots. 



bare, give an occasional syringing with tepid water, and in a fortnight a good soaking 

 of water. Strong shoots will then soon be produced ; when these are four or five inches 



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