PREPARING DAHLIA BLOOM FOR EXHIBITION 
and TRANSPORTATION OF DAHLIAS. 
From experience we have found certain principles which we 
consider to be valuable in our own work, and which may be of as¬ 
sistance to others. 
To prevent wilting of bloom depends on three items: 
Namely, GROWTH OF PLANTS, with bananced fertilizer. 
Feed enough for vigor, but not force for bloom. If the latter, do what 
you may, and to no avail, as they haven’t the substance to hold up 
through the show and maybe not until judging. Better grow with 
balanced rations and less nitrates, if you desire good flowers for 
show room. 
Secondly, CUTTING. We cut any time of day, when flower is 
ready, preferably morning before the show, but have cut on Thurs¬ 
day for Saturday’s exhibition. We don’t think the time of day so im¬ 
portant, as the treatment thereafter. Select the most perfect and 
uniform bloom, cut stems at an internode, where stem pores are 
larger, and thereby attain more moisture. Stems should be cut, at an 
angle with sharp knife, and carry with heads down to cool, clean, 
rather dark room, which has been well ventilated. Positively no 
draft on flowers at any time. Of course, place in clean, containers. 
Cut the stem under water about one inch, which allows expelling 
of air from stem and absorbs more water. Never crowd the bloom, 
so as to avoid crushed petals. Use ice to chill the water, keeping it 
cold until packing. We never use any chemicals or hot water treat¬ 
ment as a preservative. 
Thirdly, PACKING. Many a fine exhibition bloom should have 
been a blue ribbon winner, had same been correctly packed. There¬ 
fore the corrugated or cardboard box, convenient size for us 10"x- 
20"x48". We use two quart Mason jars filled with ice cubes sealed. Tie 
securely at each end of box in opposite corners. Make a pillow from 
soft paper to place under the stem, just below the bloom, which 
prevents injury of petals for top bloom, such as California Idol and 
Lord of Autumn. Lay largest bloom with longest stems first. At cen¬ 
ter sew with soft cord through box, over stem, and tie, to fasten 
securely, preventing blooms from shifting. For a padding interlace 
foliage of additional blooms packed. Place shorter stems nearer cen¬ 
ter of box. Tie these down and then fill box with bloom of still 
shorter stem, and pack tightly before closing. 
Let’s all be Boosters for BIGGER and BETTER Dahlia Shows. 
JOIN THE DAHLIA SOCIETY 
of Indiana 
Dues one dollar per year. On receipt of same we will be glad 
to forward to secretary. 
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