East Bridgewater Dahlia Cardens J. 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.” Thus can be over¬ 
come by giving your roots a rest. 
After your Dahlias have blos¬ 
somed continually for from twelve 
to fifteen weeks, and the blossoms 
commence to grow small, dig the 
clumps according to my harvest¬ 
ing 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 man¬ 
ner as you did at first. You will re-» 
ceive good large flowers of the same 
quality and perfection as when you 
first planted. Continue in this man¬ 
ner indefinitely, and you will always 
receive 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 the stems are particularly hard and 
wiry, water near boiling point may be used to 
Blanche Single Dahlia (See page 41). 
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 
a . ny . °th er 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 gobular 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, mot¬ 
tled 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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