East Bridgewater Dahlia Cardens /. K. Alexander , East Bridgewater , Massachusetts 
Dahlias in the 
South 
The same cultural directions apply 
to Dahlias in all parts of the world. 
But in the South where there is no 
frost to kill the foliage, the plants 
continue to put forth blossoms until 
the. flowers become very small and 
insignificant, and if left sufficiently 
long, will become what we term 
“bloomed-out.” This can be over¬ 
come by giving your roots a rest. 
After your Dahlias have blossomed 
continually for from twelve to fifteen 
weeks, and the blossoms commence 
to grow small, dig the clumps accord¬ 
ing to my harvesting directions. Cut 
off the stalk and pack the clumps 
away where they will not dry up. 
Allow them two or three months’ 
rest, then separate the clumps and 
replant in the same manner as you 
did at first. You will receive good 
large flowers of the same quality 
and perfection as when you first 
planted. Continue in this manner 
indefinitely, and you will always re¬ 
ceive first-class results. 
How to Keep Cut 
Blooms of Dahlias 
Freshly cut flowers will keep con¬ 
siderably longer, and wilted flowers 
if not in too serious condition, will 
be entirely restored in appearance 
if the following suggestions are fol¬ 
lowed. Cut blossoms in early part 
of the day, whenever possible. Fill 
receptacle with water, as hot as can 
be borne by one’s hand. Plunge the 
stems, but not the foliage, almost 
their entire length into the water; let them remain 
in the water until it cools, then transfer into cold 
water as in usual manner, with the addition of a 
quarter-teaspoonful of salt to a quart of water. If 
Twentieth Century Single Dahlia (See page 40.) 
the stems are particularly hard and wiry, water 
near boiling point may be used to good advantage. 
My suggestion would be, try it and be convinced, 
regulating depth of water to length of stems. 
Classification of Dahlias 
Dahlias are divided into two divisions, double 
and single; and each division is again sub-divided 
into classes, according to size, form of flowers and 
arrangement of colors. 
Double Dahlias are divided into the following 
classes: Cactus, Decorative, Peony-flowered, Co¬ 
lossal, Show, Fancy, and Pompon. 
Cactus Dahlias. This class is of comparatively 
recent introduction, and is entirely distinct from 
any other class. The flowers are loosely and ar¬ 
tistically formed, and very irregular, resembling 
the Chrysanthemum. Petals long, twisted, and 
terminating in a point. Some varieties possess 
nearly straight petals, others are gracefully in¬ 
curved. 
Collarette Dahlias. The flowers are single; with 
an additional row of shorter petals around the disc, 
which forms a frill or collar, usually of a different 
color from the outer petals. 
Colossal Dahlias. Those producing flowers of 
gigantic size, great depth, massive in proportions, 
and globular in shape; petals are cup-shaped, and 
placed in exact regularity. Plants are strong, 
sturdy, and robust. 
Decorative Dahlias, are large, flat, and full to the 
center; petals quite irregularly situated, long, 
broad, flat, and nearly straight. 
Peony-flowered Dahlias. A new type of Dahlia; 
flowers are semi-double having two, three or more 
rows of broad, flat loosely arranged petals, sur¬ 
rounding a conspicuous rich golden yellow center. 
Petals are often pointed, and sometimes twisted, 
and in some varieties the inner row of petals 
twists and curls over the center, giving the ap¬ 
pearance of a Japanese Peony, hence its name. 
The blossoms are very effective and graceful, and 
adapt themselves to bouquets better than any other 
type; some are very large and fluffy. 
Fancy Dahlias. In form and habit identical with 
the Show Dahlia, but different in arrangement of 
colors. The flowers are tipped or edged lighter than 
the ground color, or splashed, striped, mottled and 
variegated, in every conceivable manner. They 
often throw a solid flower, on the same plant. 
Pompon Dahlias. In form identical with the Show 
and Fancy, the only difference being size of flowers; 
they are small, round, miniature Dahlias, and flower 
much more freely than any other class. 
Single Dahlias. These have but one row of pet¬ 
als, generally eight, resembling the Cosmos, and 
are very free flowering. 
Show Dahlias. These are large, spherical, regu¬ 
lar, compact and full to the center. The flowers 
are either solid, edged, tipped or shaded darker. 
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