HELPFUL HINTS ON GROWING DAHLIAS 
Prepare the soil in the Fall or early Spring by spading 18 to 
24 in. deep. Work in thoroughly, well-rotted manure, which re- 
stores the necessary properties and makes the soil mellow. 
Dahlias will grow in any kind of soil if properly planted 
and cultivated. Lighter soil requires more manure or humus- 
producing material to hold the moisture. Heavy soil requires 
less fertilizers than light soil. In clay or adobe soil, mix well with 
sand or coal ashes well spaded in. When possible, plant in an 
open sunny location, at least 3 feet apart for large dahlias; out 
of reach of trees or shrubs; small varieties may be planted closer. 
There are many fine commercial fertilizers; we like “Vigoro” 
and have had fine results with it. Make holes 8 to 10 in. in diam- 
eter and 12 in. deep. Before planting, mix thoroughly with soil 
in bottom of the hole, 1 heaping teaspoonful of ‘“Vigoro,” add 
some soil, then lay tuber flat with eye or sprout up, surrounding 
it with sand or light soil, never allowing any fertilizer to come 
in contact with the root. Then mix 1 heaping tablespoonful of 
“Vigoro”’ with the soil used in filling the hole. In light soil plant 
tuber 6 in. deep; in heavy soil, 4 in. deep, covering first with 
2 in. of soil, filling in gradually as plant grows. Just as soon as 
plants are up, keep the soil loose and mellow by hoeing once or 
twice a week; water once or twice a week slightly, especially in 
hot weather; do not let them dry out. Every 6 weeks after plants 
are up, feed with 1 heaping teaspoonful of “Vigoro” to square 
foot of space around each plant. Keep away from stalk of plant 
and work lightly into soil. Dahlias are heavy feeders and respond 
rapidly to proper feeding. 
When the plants have set out four sets of leaves, pinch out 
the top above the fourth set of leaves, giving the plants a chance 
to branch. This is for the large type dahlias; small dahlias do 
not need it. 
When the buds appear, stop all cultivation and give the plants 
a mulch of well-rotted manure, leaves, or grass clippings; keep 
all fertilizers away from stalk, and the ground free from weeds. 
When buds appear, soak the ground thoroughly once a week 
or oftener. Watering is one of the most essential things in pro- 
ducing fine flowers. 
For extra large blooms, disbud by pinching off all buds in 
a cluster except the strongest one. 
For cut flowers, pick in the evening or early morning; dip 
the ends of stems in boiling water for one minute, being careful 
to keep the flower away from the heat or steam. Put at once 
in deep cold water, and put in a cool place free from draught 
until wanted. Never allow faded flowers to remain on bushes, but 
cut them off with as much stem or stalk as possible. Dahlias 
will continue to bloom until a heavy frost kills the tops in the 
Fall. In a cold climate they should be dug shortly afterwards and 
stored in a dry frost-proof cellar away from heat. Cover with 
dry soil or peat to keep them from shriveling; inverting them 
may keep them from rotting. It is advisable to look after them 
occasionally during the winter. 
Divide in the spring after the eyes begin to show, being careful 
that each root has an eye. 
Member of the AMERICAN DAHLIA SOCIETY 
Member of the DAHLIA SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA 
If you live in the San Francisco Bay area, join 
THE DAHLIA SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA 
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