East Bridgewater Dahlia Cardens ]. K. Alexander, East Bridgewater, Massachusetts 
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 
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 
artistically formed, and very irregular, resem¬ 
bling the Chrysanthemum. Petals long, twisted, 
and terminating in a point. Some varieties pos¬ 
sess nearly straight petals, others are gracefully 
incurved. 
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 differ¬ 
ent color from the outer petals. 
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 resembling 
the Peony. The flowers are generally semi¬ 
double, showing a rich golden center. 
How to Keep Cut 
Cut the flowers in the early part of the day, if 
possible, especially Cactus Decorative, Peony-flow¬ 
ered and Single varieties, and plunge the stems at 
once nearly their entire length, into water as hot 
as can be borne by one’s hand. Let them remain 
in the water until it cools, after which they may 
be placed in cold water in the usual manner, but 
with the addition of a quarter-teaspoonful of salt 
to a quart of water. When the stems are particu¬ 
larly hard and wiry, water near the boiling point 
classes :—Cactus, Decorative, Peony-flowered, Show, 
Fancy Dahlias. In form and habit they are identical 
with the Show Dahlia, but are different in ar¬ 
rangement of colors. The flowers are tipped or 
edged lighter than the ground color, or splashed, 
striped, mottled and variegated, in every con¬ 
ceivable manner. They often throw a solid flower, 
on the same plant. 
Pompon Dahlias. In form this class is identical 
with the Show and Fancy, the only difference be¬ 
ing the size of the flowers ; they are small, round, 
miniature Dahlias, and flower much more freely 
than any other class. 
Single Dahlias. These have but one row of petals, 
generally eight, resembling the Cosmos, and 
are very free flowering. 
Show Dahlias. These are large, spherical, regular 
compact and full to the center. The flowers are 
either solid, edged, tipped or shaded darker. 
Blooms of Dahlias 
may be safely used with good results. Freshly 
cut flowers, treated as above, will keep considerably 
longer in good condition than when treated in 
the ordinary manner. Flowers that have become 
wilted are always greatly revived, and when their 
condition is not too serious, are often entirely re¬ 
stored in appearance by this treatment. Try it 
and be convinced, but do not make the mistake of 
submerging the flowers nor the foliage, but regu¬ 
late the depth of water to the length of the stems. 
Partial View of a Field of Peony-Flowered Dahlias. 
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