CULTURE 
TIME. Dahlias should be planted after danger of frost has passed 
and the ground feels warm to the hand. It usually takes about 
90 days from the time you plant until the first bloom, so, if 
you wish to plant for shows, you can plant accordingly. 
PLANTING SEED. In a flat, or a box 4” deep and 20” square, 
place a sifted mixture of equal parts of garden loam, leaf mold 
and sand. Smooth this mixture off flat then press firmly, espec- 
‘ally in the corners. Surface of compost should be 1” below lip 
of box. Plant seed about an inch apart and 4%” deep in rows 2” 
avart. 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 14 days. 
When the second set of leaves appear, transplant to a_ similar 
box, 2” apart. When new growth is well in evidence, remove 
plants and plant in the field. Do not let them dry out. 
We, here at Boulder Hill, have had the best results with plant- 
ing seed in Vermiculite, using it straight, with no other mixture 
with it. 
PLANTING OF ROOTS. Dig a hole 6” deep and in the bottom 
of the hole throw a good handful of bonemeal, Mix it with the 
soil and then plaster the side of the hole with it, for dahlias 
are surface feeders and whatever is placed deep in the ground 
is wasted. Drive a stake in the bottom of the hole and _ place 
your root with eye up about 2” from the stake and cover the 
root. Label the stake. 
PLANTING OF GREEN PLANTS. When you receive your plant, 
look to see that the ball is moist, and place it in the lath house 
or half shade for 2 or 3 days. In late afternoon, remove paper 
pot and place in hole, prepared as in above paragraph, so that 
the top of ball is 2” below the surface of the ground; fill hole. 
If you use a heavy mulch, plant ball with the top of the ball 
even with the surface of the ground. Label the stake. 
CULTIVATION. Keep surface of ground well cutivated to a 
depth of about 3”. As roots breathe and push their way through 
the soil, it should be kept loose. About the middle of August, 
‘discontinue cultivation for about this time the feeder roots have 
come to the surface and they should not be disturbed. 
WATERING. We use the sprinkler system here at Boulder Hill, 
but any way you wish to water, is fine. Soak down at least 6”. 
Cultivate. Do not let the plants go dry, for, due to the large 
leaves, there is much transpiration and the plant will have to 
draw from the stored food and water in the roots. 
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