East Bridgewater Dahlia Cardens ]. K. Alexander , East Bridgewater , Massachusetts 
The 
Culture 
of the Dahlia 
Success will follow if you 
observe these instructions 
Little Bessie Pompon Dahlia. 
(See page 25.) 
LOCATION. The Dahlia is not as par¬ 
ticular as most of our flowers, and will 
succeed under a great many adverse con¬ 
ditions. There are, however, certain loca¬ 
tions where Dahlias seem to outdo them¬ 
selves. An open sunny location seems to 
favor them at all times. Dahlias do well 
on high and low land, on hill sides or 
perfectly level land; giving good results 
in each location. 
I find Dahlias are particularly adapted 
for seashore use, and not only do well, but 
thrive; for the reason of the moisture, and 
principally the heavy dews which collect 
during the nights. 
I also find that many varieties do well 
with partial shade, producing fully as good 
flowers as they do in the hot sun, especially 
for exhibition purposes. 
Dahlias will grow and do equally well 
in any kind of soil; I have sand, gravel, 
and heavy and light loam, lowland and 
hills ; and find very little difference, as far 
as the number of flowers is concerned; the 
only difference being that in sand and 
gravel they form a short sturdy compact plant, and in heavy 
loam and lowland they grow tall and rank, blossoming about a 
week later than those planted at the same time in sandy soil. 
PREPARATION. The soil should be thoroughly cultivated;— 
ploughed or spaded eight to ten inches deep;—well pulverized, 
and thoroughly worked over, thus affording an opportunity for 
rapid expansion, and making an easy path for the tiny rootlets. 
To secure exceptional results, have your soil ploughed or spaded 
in the Fall, or as early as practicable in the Spring; then just 
before planting have soil thoroughly ploughed or spaded again. 
FERTILIZER. Fertilization is one of the most important 
factors, to be successful with Dahlias. We all know that a 
growing plant, the Dahlia for instance, requires and takes from 
the soil, certain properties; and in order to keep the soil in cor¬ 
rect proportion, the materials the Dahlia takes from the soil 
must be restored;—this must be done by Fertilization. You can 
use dressing: either horse, cow, sheep or hen; or Chemicals. 
Or any Commercial Fertilizer rich in Nitrogen, Potash, Am¬ 
monia, and Phosphoric Acid, are good. Fish and Potash, Acid 
Phosphate in the form of Bone flour, or Sulphate of Potash, 
are also very effective. My system of Fertilization—Every other 
Fall I give my land a top-dressing of stable manure, ploughing 
under, and alternate with Lime using this as a top-dressing. 
The manure restores the properties necessary; and makes the soil light, and mellow; keeps it from 
being heavy, and caking; while Lime has the same tendency, and keeps the soil sweet. When planting 
in the Spring I use Commercial fertilizers exclusively; a complete potato fertilizer and ground bonemeal, 
in equal proportions. Every fourth or fifth year I make a Fall planting of Winter Rye; then turn under 
in the Spring, planting the bulbs with commercial fertilizers. 
An application of manure, either in liquid or ordinary form several times throughout the growing 
season proves very beneficial, furnishing new material for the growing plants, and insuring you the 
very best results. 
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 time when the general crop 
of flower is desired. Dahlias can be planted any¬ 
time after danger of frost is over, and under 
ordinary conditions will blossom in from six to 
eight 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, six inches deep. Do not stand bulb 
on end. If you stand 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 six inches deep, no matter how 
dry the season, the bulbs would receive sufficient 
moisture to keep them growing. If planting with 
manure, cover manure an inch or so before plant¬ 
ing bulbs; Fertilizer should be thoroughly worked 
into the soil. Either Fertilizer or Manure will 
burn the sprout; be sure to cover with soil. 
By planting the bulb first, then covering an 
inch or so with soil, and applying your Fertilizer 
or Manure, 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 further away from your 
plant. 
Summary:—plant bulb six inches deep, flat 
down, having sprout or eye facing upward, cover 
with soil an inch or so, apply dressing, and cover 
in level. 
CULTIVATION Cultivation is the principal 
requirement of the Dahlia ; the most important of 
all operations to insure success. Keep the soil 
well cultivated, and free from weeds; never allow 
the soil to crust. 
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