THE DAHLIA OF MODERATE 
DEMAND 
THOMAS J. STEED 
When and Where and How to Grow This Favorite of Fall Gardens—Flowers 
of Divers Shapes and Bright Hues for Autumn Blooms with Very Little Fussing 
B N^URING recent years the Dahlia seems to have stepped 
into a conspicuous place among the garden flowers— 
whether because its warm colors come with timely ap- 
fej peal toward the close of the summer season; or because 
of its ingratiating habit of changing its shape from a lackadais¬ 
ical floppiness to the crispest, most precise curls; or because it 
unfolds a flaunting beauty with very little preliminary fuss and 
coaxing—whatever its appeal, certainly the Dahlia has established 
itself in a multitude of gardens North, South, East, and West. 
The natural condition of soil and climate along the Pacific 
coast in particular are apparently ideal for the growing of Dah¬ 
lias, though as a matter of fact almost any soil can be made to 
produce good Dahlias. Their preference is, however, for a light 
sandy loam with full view to the sun, especially during the fore¬ 
noon, but better still all day. 
Planting and Cultivation 
T HE first step in preparation is to distribute over the soil 
horse or cow manure that is well decayed, one bushel to 
each square yard, and also one to three pounds of a high grade 
fertilizer, as for example a mixture of bonemeal, dried blood, and 
sulphate or muriate of potash. This is to be spaded under, 
making the soil fine and loose at least ten or twelve inches deep, 
and is best done a month before planting the roots so that the 
fertilizer will become thoroughly incorporated with the soil. 
Dahlias may be planted in any region after danger of frost has 
passed, this from April ist to June 14th in the North; while in 
the South planting can be done in February and March. The 
plants are very tender and will not stand frost. If you risk 
early setting out and the weather becomes cool and frosty after 
the plants are up, they must be protected during the night by 
spreading newspapers over them which can be fastened down 
well by putting soil on their edges; Too early planting in cold 
damp soil has a tendency to rot the tubers, therefore proper 
drainage is important. Plant from two to four feet apart each 
way, the distance depending on kind of soil and type of flower 
grown, covering top or crown of the tuber with five or six inches 
of soil. In stiff soil it is best, however, not to put on the full six 
inches at first. When the plants have come through the cover¬ 
ing and are above the level of the ground, gradually work the 
rest of the earth in around them. While this system is particu¬ 
larly adapted to clayey soil that has a tendency to harden after 
rain, it is also suitable in any other. When early planting is 
done it causes the shoots to come through more quickly and there 
is less danger of the roots rotting on account of dampness. If 
more than one shoot comes from a single tuber, break off all but 
one or two of the strongest shoots. 
PRIZE DAHLIAS IN A 50 x 150 FT. YARD 
Every Dahlia grower, no matter how cramped his space, has opportunity to produce prize¬ 
winning blooms. More than a hundred varieties flourished in this little garden of Mr. 
Rhigenzi at Hartford, Conn., and each year won their share of awards at the local shows 
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