E. Bridgewater Dahlia Gardens J. K. Alexander , E. Bridgewater , Massachusetts 
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In applying the fertilizer, it is best to sprinkle 
it around the tuber, two, three or four inches from 
where the sprout will come through, but every pre¬ 
caution should be taken to be sure it does not fall 
where the sprout will come in contact with it, when it 
pushes its way through the ground, as fertilizer will 
burn the sprout. It’s better to have it a trifle farther 
away, as the roots will find the fertilizer. 
TIME OF PLANTING. The time for planting 
Dahlias varies according to the locality; whether 
your spot is sheltered or open, early or lateness of 
the season, and the times when the general crop of 
flowers is desired. Dahlias can be planted any time 
after danger of frost is over, and under ordinary con¬ 
ditions will blossom in from 6 to 8 weeks after they 
have been planted. It is always best to wait until 
the ground becomes thoroughly warmed. 
PLANTING. Plant bulbs in hills or drills, lay¬ 
ing flat down, 6 inches deep. Do not stand the 
bulb on end. If you stand the bulb on end, having 
the sprout near the top of the ground, all the new 
bulbs which form will grow near the top of the ground 
and when you have a dry spell your plant becomes 
stunted, whereas, if the bulbs were planted flat down 
6 inches deep, no matter how dry the season, the bulbs 
would receive sufficient moisture to keep them grow¬ 
ing. If planting with manure cover manure an inch 
or so before planting bulbs; fertilizer should be thor¬ 
oughly worked into the soil. Either fertilizer or 
manure will burn 
the sprout; be sure 
to cover with soil. 
By planting the 
bulb fi r s t, t h e n 
covering an inch or 
so with soil and 
applying your 
fertilizer or man¬ 
ure, your plant 
receives the entire 
benefit of the 
dressing. The 
dressing is above 
the bulb and every 
rain carries the 
food down to the 
roots, whereas, if 
your dressing is 
below the bulb, 
each rain takes 
your dressing fur¬ 
ther away from 
your plant. 
Summary. Plant 
bulb 6 inches deep, 
flat down, having 
sprout or eye facing 
upward; cover with 
soil an inch or so, 
applying dressing, 
and cover in level. 
CULTIVATION. 
Cultivation is the 
principal require¬ 
ment of the Dahlia 
—the most impor¬ 
tant of all opera¬ 
tions to insure suc¬ 
cess. Keep the soil 
well cultivated and 
free from weeds; 
never allow the soil 
to crust. 
CARE OF 
PLANTS. Give 
thorough cultiva¬ 
tion, deep at first 
and continued once 
a week until the 
plants commence to 
flower, After they 
commence to blos¬ 
som do not culti¬ 
vate, as then is the 
time the new roots 
are forming and 
you are apt to cut off the new tubers, weakening the 
growth of the plant. Do not fail to stir the soil after 
each rain, keeping the soil from forming a crust on the 
surface, or baking, and conserving the moisture in the 
soil, thus avoiding the necessity of watering. 
As the shoot or plant commences to show itself 
above the ground, care should be taken at this time 
for the prevention of cutworms and other pests that 
destroy the young shoots; I recommend Vermine, 
Arsenate of Lead, Cut-worm Killer or Tobacco Dust, 
as best preventive for these pests. 
As soon as the plants attain a height of 8 to 10 
inches it is time to commence to “train” your plants. 
There are three systems from which you must choose: 
The Staking System, the Branching Method and the 
Massing System. 
The Staking System is the most popular, many 
amateurs finding it the most successful. Dahlias under 
this system should be planted from 2 to 4 feet apart, 
according to the amount of space you have to devoted 
—the larger, the more robust the plants. Stakes 
should be set when the Dahlia is planted. As soon as 
plants attain a height of 2 to 3 feet they should be 
secured to the stakes, thus protecting them and pre¬ 
venting the brittle stalks from being blown over or 
getting broken. 
The Branching Method. This system is advo¬ 
cated by many professionals and does away with stak¬ 
ing. Plant in hills or rows from 18 to 30 inches apart. 
“Frau Geheimrat ScMeH.” $2.00 each. 
NEW DECORATIVE DAHLIA 
(For description see page 27.) 
(One-third actual size.) 
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