DAHLIAS 



111 



feet is not too much if the variety is a large one. Planted much closer 

 the plants are difficult to tend. The tubers should be placed about 

 four inches deep, planting them flat or in such a position that the • 

 growing point is faced up toward the surface of the soil. Firm the roots 

 well. 



Supporting 



The average root will make several shoots. Allow them to grow 

 . until they make the first set of leaves; by that time the strongest can 

 be selected and the others cut away below the surface of the soil. 

 Sometimes two shoots may be ajlowed to grow, but never more; as a 

 rule one shoot is sufficient. Tie the shoot to a stake when about a foot 

 high And do not neglect tying as the plant develops, for this is very 

 important. To cause the plants to branch at any certain height, the 

 tip is pinched out; this causes lateral shoots to start. 



For Attaining Large Flowers 



If the soil is carefully and diligently cultivated there will be little 

 need for watering, which is detrimental unless consistently practiced. 

 Thorough watering should be given each time and at regular intervals; 

 otherwise plants will be checked and flowers will sufi'er. 



In order that each individual flower may be as large as possible, 

 especially in the case of the show and fancy types, which produce a 

 great many flowers of medium size, it is best to disbud the main 

 branches leaving only the terminal bud. It is often best to allow only 

 six or eight branches. The singles, collarettes and pompons are rarely 

 pruned or disbudded, the idea being to get plants with as many flowers 

 as possible. The cactus varieties are apt to have their weak neck 

 habit intensified by excessive pruning and disbudding, so that they 

 should be cautiously disbudded, removing only part of the buds. 



Flowers are best cut in the morning or evening and any foliage 

 not wanted should be removed. The stems should then be placed in 

 water up to the base of the flowers and removed to a cool place. Hard- 

 stemmed varieties are best placed in hot water and allowed to remain 

 until the water cools, when they should be removed to fresh cold 

 water. Under no circumstances attempt to ship for exhibition with- 

 out the pre-cooling. 



Storage 



When the Autumn killing frosts arrive, perhaps in mid-October, 

 and the foliage is killed, take up the plants at once and allow them to 



