CULTURAL GUIDE 
Dahlias are easily grown, requiring no special soil, treat¬ 
ment or skill to bring them to perfection. 
They are really an Autumn flower and should not be 
planted too early. 
They are remarkably free from disease and have few spe¬ 
cial enemies. 
Plant in sunny situation, although they will do nicely in 
partial shade. 
Prepare the soil by deep spading; if soil is sandy a shovel 
full of well rotted manure may be incorporated with it; if 
otherwise use little, if any, fertilizer before plants begin to 
bud. Add sand or coal ashes to heavy soil. 
Drive a stake in each hole to support the plant. Lay root 
down flat with eye upward and next to stake, about six 
inches deep, and cover two inches with pulverized soil, grad¬ 
ually filling to level as plant progresses. 
As soon as plants are large enough, pinch out the top just 
above the second or third set of leaves; this causes the plant 
to branch. 
Cultivate well until buds appear, then stop all cultivation 
except light raking after rain or watering, just enough to 
break the crust of ground; only be sure and do this. 
When buds appear spread manure or some fertilizer around 
plant and rake lightly into the soil. 
Sometimes a perfectly good root with a good eye will 
refuse to sprout; in such cases, dig up the root and soak for 
24 hours in fresh water; this usually will cause it to sprout 
in a reasonable time after replanting. 
Unless weather is very dry and hot, do not begin watering 
until buds appear, then soak the ground thoroughly (not 
sprinkle) about once a week or ten days. Cut off all faded 
flowers with as much of the stalk as you can. 
For extra large blooms disbud by pinching off all the buds 
in a cluster except the strongest one. 
For cut flowers pick in the evening or early morning if 
possible; burn the ends of stems in any flame, or dip in boil¬ 
ing water for 10 seconds; after either treatment place in cold 
water and put in cool place free from draft until wanted. 
When frozen down in Autumn, cut stalks off at the ground 
and dig carefully so as not to break neck of root, for the eyes 
for next season’s growth are only found where the root joins 
the stalk. Store same as potatoes where they will not freeze, 
shrivel or rot. Turn the clump upside down to drain out any 
moisture that may start decay. 
