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 balanced 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. Lay largest 
bloom with longest stems first. At center sew with soft cord through 
box, over stem, and tie, to fasten securely, preventing blooms from 
shifting. For a padding interlace foilage of additional blooms packed. 
Place shorter stems nearer center 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 it to secretary. 
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