Albert Parrella, Originator and Grower of Chryspopcan and Select Dahlias. 
TEN BRIEF SUGGESTIONS TO THE AMATEUR ON HOW TO GROW 
BETTER DAHLIAS 
1. Select easily grown varieties and those giving full satisfaction. 
2. Prepare the selected planting spot well and place the supporting stake. 
3. Dig a hole, next to the stake, about 10 inches in diameter and 7 to 8 
inches deep, and place one handful of bonemeal in the hole, or any other 
recommended fertilizer and mix thoroughly with the soil before planting. 
4. Place roots in flat position with the sprout or “eye” facing upwards. Cover 
lightly with about 2 inches of soil. In doing this be careful not to damage 
the sprout. As the plant grows, All around the stem with soil. 
5. Do not plant too early. At times, too early planting spoils good roots. I 
would suggest planting from June 1st on, except in climates where a short 
growing season is prevalent. In that case use your own judgment. 
6. Keep the soil well cultivated throughout the season, and prevent weeds from 
outgrowing the plant. 
7. Water plants during hot weather at least once a week. Do not merely 
sprinkle them, but soak tnem. This must be done after sundown. 
8. Tie the plant to the supportive stake with soft cord, at distance of 12 inches 
apart. This is done as an added security against destruction by wind and 
storm. Spray with any reliable parasitacide at least once every two weeks. 
9. About August 1st, scatter, a handful of bonemeal about 6 inches around the 
stem and rake it gently into the soil. Other fertilizers may be used if 
desired. Do not use excessive amounts of fertilizer as injury to the roots 
will result. 
10. About August 15th, the same treatment as above is applied. Disbudding 
at this time aids in the formation of bigger and better flowers and longer 
stems. This should insure good results. If any other information is desir¬ 
able, I will gladly forward you the same. 
JUST A FEW OF OUR MANY TESTIMONIALS 
Chicago, Illinois, August 27th, 1939. 
Dear Mr. Parrella: 
Thank you so much for your suggestions on getting rid of ants. I have 
this predicament pretty well under control, and come to you again for advice 
on another. In the center of my dahlias there are winged green bugs spreckled 
with black, the size of a fly which I can’t seem to get rid of. I have sprayed 
the garden faithfully with evergreen but of no avail. Any suggestion from you 
on this matter would be greatly appreciated. My dahlias are very beautiful, 
and I have had wonderful luck with them outside of this trouble. R. L. 
Ontario, Canada, January 13th, 1939. 
Dear Mr. Parrella: 
Just a line about your seeds and how I did with them at our shows: 
No. 1—37—First Prize and Best Bloom in Show. 
No. 11—37—Award of Merit, Canadian National Exhibition. 
No. 11—37—Award of Merit and First in 1 Bloom Cactus. 
No. 28—38—First Seedling and Award of Merit. 
No. 4—37—Second Seedling. 
No. 5—37—Third Seedling. 
I think that this speaks volumes for your seed, and has been most gratify¬ 
ing to me this being my first year for showing flowers, only one bloom shown 
that was not placed. j. j). 
New York City, N. Y., May 10th, 1939. 
Dear Mr. Parrella: 
Received the dahlia roots yesterday. Thank you for the prompt delivery, 
also the free roots. Thank you. ’ j. jj. 
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PARRELLA DAHLIA GARDENS 
