We have found that dusting sulphur (300 mesh) applied to the under sides of 
the leaves with a dusting gun or sprayer Is an effective control for a number of Insects 
especially leaf hoppers and red spider. In our gardens we use no other spray mate¬ 
rial. If insects are taking their toll In your garden have your local seedsman recom¬ 
mend a spray material for your special problem. Many insects are discouraged from 
attacking a plant covered with a white dust whether it Is a poison or Just a harmless 
substance such as flour. Mildew in the late fall can be absolutely prevented by one 
application of "dusting sulphur" applied to the under sides of the lower leaves. Use 
a dust gun of some sort and do the dusting early in the morning when the dew is on 
the leaves. About Sept. 1st is the time to make this application. 
Large specimen blooms are the result of systematic dis-budding and dis-branching. 
After the buds appear it will be noted that they usually come in clusters of three. 
The one in the center is generally the strongest. Remove the other two and the effort 
that the plant would expend in producing flowers from them goes to the terminal 
bud which is left. The next two or three sets of branches (at each leaf below the 
terminal bud) may also be removed, further increasing the size of the bloom to be 
produced. Be sure, however, that at least one set of branches is left to produce the 
next flowers. 
Many varieties have a tendency to grow straight up with but a single stalk. If a 
bushy plant is desired pinch out the top of the plant when it is about eighteen inches 
tall. Other varieties may produce too many branches in which case some may be cut 
out. Plants which have been pinched out may be dis-budded as per instructions above. 
After the frost has destroyed the plants in the fall cut the stalk off at the ground. 
An ordinary saw is fine for this. If possible leave the clump in the ground for a week 
or ten days before digging. A long tinned fork is best for digging the clumps. Be 
careful not to break or even strain the necks of the tubers. One person with a fork 
on each side of the clump to be dug can lift the clump out with less damage. Do not 
leave the clumps exposed to the sun or wind for more than a few minutes. If the 
clumps are too moist to store at once dry them off a bit in the shade or basement. 
Cut the stalk off to within a couple of Inches of the crown. This largely helps to pre¬ 
vent stem rot later. Store the clumps in containers well lined with newspaper to keep 
out the air as much as possible. Keep the containers in a cool frost-proof basement. 
After the clumps have been stored for three or four weeks examine them for stem rot 
or other decay. If decay has set in leave them exposed to the air for a day. Splitting 
the clumps in two will help prevent stem rot. Trim out any decayed parts and dust 
with sulphur. A little sulphur sprinkled over the clumps when they are put in the 
containers will prove beneficial. If the clumps show signs of shrivelling moisten them 
with a little water and add more covering. 
The clumps may be divided at any time but it is best to wait until the eyes or 
sprouts show distinctly. Never plant the entire clump. For best results divide it so 
that there is but one sprout to each division. Usually good clumps will average four 
or more divisions. 
We will be glad to answer any further questions regarding these or any other 
phases of dahlia culture. OUR SERVICE DOES NOT END WITH THE SALE. 
JOIN THE DAHLIA SOCIETY OF OHIO 
Dues are $1.00 a year. Meetings every second Friday of the month at Hotel 
Statler, Cleveland. By joining you will benefit by the dahlia discussions at meetings 
and by the articles in "The Ohio Bulletin." Also you will be helping a worth-while 
cause. Eighth annual show of the society will be at Hotel Statler on Sept. 17th and 
18th. Come and bring your friends. 
As a special inducement. The Rocky River Dahlia Gardens will give a fifty cent 
dahlia of your choice to anyone sending the dollar for membership through us. 
Acknowledgment will come from the secretary of the society. Take advantage of this 
offer at once. 
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