the Dahlia into it as soon as it is cut from the bush. A knife 
should be used instead of scissors, as the object is to not press 
the stem shut, but rather leave it so that it will absorb water 
readily for the bloom. The cut flowers should then be placeu 
in the cold water container, in a cool dark place, and away fro.. 
any drafts, for several hours, or if cut in the evening, over night. 
After that they are ready for placing in your vases or other con- 
tainers tor display, and will keep much longer than if any other 
method of preparation is used. Too much foliage left on the stem 
will greatly lessen the keeping quality of the bloom. 
After the first killing frost the Dahlia clumps should be dug 
and stored for the winter. lf the sections where there is no frost, 
Or Where il comes very late in the year, the plants may be cut 
down any time and aiter allowing a few days for the sap to gu 
down into the roots, the clumps may be dug and cared for the 
same as if they had been killed by frost. It is well to dig the 
dirt away from the clump and cut down with the spade ali 
around it rather deep before lifting it out. This will cut the feed 
roots which may extend out as tar as two feet from the Staln, 
and which might break some ot the roots from the stalk if not 
cut. Any roots which are broken at the neck will probably no, 
be any good the following spring. 
The clump may be allowed to stand for a while to dry out 
the dirt, which may then be shaken off gently. Or a gentle stream, 
of water may be used to wash the clumps. The stalk should then 
be cut off close to the clump, and it is then ready to be divided 
or stored. 
A cool not too dry cellar is the best place for root storage, 
being sure it is frost proof. It does not need much below freezing 
to ruin Dahlia roots. Also, dry warm air will cause the roots to 
dry out and shrivel up, so that most of them will not grow in the 
spring. 
In dividing the clumps, all that is necessary is to have an 
eye for each root saved, and these eyes are plainly visible at th. 
time of digging, if one wishes to divide them then. This will do 
away with the possibility of stem rot, which sometimes spoils the 
entire clumps. Cut surfaces may be dusted or dipped in powdered 
lime or sulphur and the roots packed in boxes of fine sawdust, 
or even dry dirt. The name of the variety may be written on 
the root with an indelible pencil, moistening the surface so the 
writing will be permanent. This avoids the possibility of lost 
tags and mixed-up varieties. 
Any special problems not covered will be gladly considered 
on request, and all available information thereto will be given. 
Visalia, Cal., Oct. 31, 1949—“I think your Dahlia roots are the 
nicest I’ve ever received from any grower.’—Mrs. M. C. L. 
PPB PPP P PP PPP BPA ALA AL AL ALG LLLLALLA LLL ALLL OO 
MILLER DAHLIA FARMS SEATTLE 88 
