CULTURE 
TIME Dahlias should be planted after danger of frost has past. 
It usually takes about 90 days from the time you plant until the 
first bloom,so if you wish to plant for. shows, youcan plant ac- 
cordingly. 
PLANTING SEED. In a box 5” deep and 20” square, place a sifted 
mixture of equal parts of garden loam, leaf mold and sand. Smoothe 
this mixture off flat then press firmly, especially in the corners. 
Surface of compost should be 1” below lip of box. Plant seed about 
an inch apart and one-haif inch deep in rows 2” apart. Cover seed, 
press firmly, then water thoroughly. Be sure that your box has 
drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water may run out. 
Seed usually germinates in 4 to 9 days. When the second set of 
leaves appear, transplant, 2” apart. When new growth is well 
in evidence, remove plants and plant in the field. Do not let them 
dry out. 
PREPARING SOIL. Ten days prior to planting, dig hole two feet 
in diameter and one foot deep. In the bottom of this hole, put a 
handful of bonemeal and mix it thoroughly with the soil, Drive in 
a six foot stake and replace soil in the hole. 
PLANTING OF ROOTS. Plant root six inches deep with “eye” up 
and two inches from stake. Cover hole about half full;as the plant 
comes through you fill in. Do not water but once until plant comes 
up. Label the stake. 
PLANTING OF GREEN PLANTS. When you receive your plant, 
look to see that it is moist, and place it in the lath house for two 
or three days. In the evening, remove paper pot and place in hole 
that was previously dug so that the top of ball is three inches below 
surface of ground; fill in as plant grows. Label the stake. 
CULTIVATION. Keep surface of ground well cultivated to a depth 
of about three inches until about the middle of August then dis- 
continue cultivation. About this time the feeder roots have come 
to the surface and they shculd not be disturbed at this late date. 
WATERING. We use the sprinkler system here at Boulder Hill 
but any way you wish to water, is fine. Soak down at least six 
