CULTIVATION OF THE DAHLIA 
C^TIVATION of the dahlia is comparatively 
simple. The tuber, or green plant, whichever 
is chosen, is planted six inches deep in April, 
May, June or the first half of July, in soil deeply plowed 
or dug, moderately, but never excessively rich. A 
generous handful of bone meal for each tuber may be 
safely added. The surface of the soil is kept free of 
weeds, and by a four inch deep stirring with hoe or 
cultivator drying out is prevented until blooming time, 
when cultivation should never exceed two inches in 
depth, because feeding roots are now near the surface. 
A top dressing of fertilizers once a week for improve- 
ment of blooms, during flowering, and the results are 
as certain as anything can be in horticulture. 
Dahlias will grow anywhere. Vigorous and full of 
blooms they have been found rooted in a low mound of 
coal ashes. Of course, the best results follow when the 
soil and cultivation most nearly meet their needs. 
But they seem to be very satisfactory practically every- 
where. In gravel, sand or exceptionally infertile soil 
the plants will grow slowly till fall, and perhaps only 
reach a height of three or four feet, yet producing many 
excellent flowers late in the autumn and a large and 
vigorous crop of tubers. In a deep, black soil, or a 
soil very rich in plant food, dahlias produce a veritable 
