RICHARD DIENER, OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, U. S. A 
DAHLIA SEEDS 
For years I have raised the finest dahlia seeds that can be produced and many of the 
new varieties that are on the market now came from our seeds. I have given up the 
dahlia bulb sales as the demand has been so low. In the future we will list only the seeds 
of the fancy varieties. 
Every seedling raised from these seeds is new and different as they never come the 
same as the parent plant, and if you have anything outstanding you may make a named 
variety out of it. However, in such a case one should raise the seedling three years and 
it must be faultless in every way. Everyone has some space where fifty to a hundred 
dahlia plants may be grown, and if you want some real fun watch a bunch of high-class 
dahlia seedlings coming into flower. One must have only the best seeds as there is a 
great quantity of trash on the market which brings mostly singles. Dahlia seedlings will 
flower a month earlier than from bulbs. Plant the seedlings at least three feet apart in 
both directions. In locations where heavy storms prevail place a three-foot stake at each 
seedling at time of planting. 
We do not raise any cut flowers in dahlias; everything is grown for seeds only. 
Seeds of the Chrysanthemum type are much thinner than the others and do not come 
as fast as the other types, so give them time, just keep the seed pans in a warm location 
as every seed of all varieties are hand selected. Every kernel will grow if handled right. 
Directions for Sowing Dahlia Seeds —Sandy leaf 
mould or any good garden soil should be used. Use 
a box or pan to sow the seeds into. Fill the recep¬ 
tacle 3 inches with soil. Smooth the surface over 
with a smooth board, then sprinkle seed over the 
soil and press into the ground. The seeds should be 
very lightly covered with the soil, in fact, it should 
be shaken over the seeds with a fine sieve. Put the 
seeds in a warm, moist place and see that the soil 
is not permitted to become dry. 
Glass may be put over the flats to preserve the 
moisture. In this case, if the sun shines on them, 
they should be protected by a single sheet of paper 
over the glass. Otherwise, too great a heat will 
develop between glass and soil. Remove the paper 
at night and in dark weather. 
It will be three months before all the seeds are 
up# which is natural with Dahlias. Some seeds 
come up in four days, while others take months. 
When they are up, take them out of the seed box 
inside of three days. To do this without interfering 
with the other seeds, use a sharp-pointed stick and 
drive it down into the soil next to each seedling 
and lift same up. Put each plant in a 3-inch pot; 
they can be kept back for two or three months or 
until ready to go into the open. Plant in the full 
sun and stake early. 
Every seed is hand picked and will grow if han¬ 
dled correctly. 
CHRYSANTHEMUM DAHLIA SEED (Mixed,Double). 
—The Chrysanthemum Dahlia is one of the 
greatest achievements in Dahlias. The flowers 
are very large, curled and twisted, like Chry¬ 
santhemums, on stiff, wiry stems, and the colors 
are the finest brought out yet. It is the best 
keeper for cut flowers. It took me many years 
to perfect this type. Seeds from the finest se¬ 
lected, separately grown. 
25 seeds 75c 50 seeds $1.50 100 seeds $3.00 
1000 seeds $15.00 
SOME OF OUR GIANT HYBRID DAHLIA FLOWERS 
Chicago, Illinois, January 31, 1934. 
Mr. Richard Diener, Oxnard, Calif. 
Dear Sir; About 3 years ago I ordered from you for my 
father in Czecho-Slovakia a collection of Dahlia seeds and 
the result was more than gratifying. He is a member of 
the Pomological Society in Prag and therefore knows quality 
in flowers. But the results obtained with your seeds were 
for him as for the rest of the members of the mentioned 
society something new and thrilling. 
Faithfully yours, 
GUS C. RZIHOWSKY. 
* * * * 
Palermo, California, February 23, 1934. 
Mr. Richard Diener, Oxnard, Calif. 
Dear Sir: Was very pleased with the Dahlia seeds I 
purchased from you last year and have five of the finest 
Dahlias I ever have laid eyes upon. 
Yours truly, 
DON C. PARKER. 
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