SPECIAL OFFERS o Graut Decorative DAHLIAS 
SPECIAL OFFER NO. 1 
A splendid assortment of five fine exhibition dahlias 
Diamant Pasadena Dorothy Geer 
F. H. Archer Miss Elsie Jane 
One bulb each of the above five outstanding varieties 
for only $2.75 (Reg. catalog value $3.50) 
SPECIAL OFFER NO. 2 
A Super-Special offer of five of the finest garden 
varieties we grow. 
Francis Larocco Gallant Fox Josephine G 
Margaret Cole Jersey Beauty 
One bulb each of the above five varieties for only 
$2.40 (Red. catalog value $3.00) 
SPECIAL OFFER NO. 3 
A fine collection of five top quality bulbs in a beau- 
tiful color range. 
Snowcap Pink Sutherland Golden Eclipse 
Eastern Echo Margaret W. Wilson 
On strong bulb of each of the above for $2.75 
(Reg. catalog value $3.75) 
SPECIAL OFFER NO. 4 
An outstanding collection of five giant flowering 
varieties. 
Mrs. |. de ver Warner Wanda Meade _ Rose Glory 
Michael Black Nagel’s Sensation 
One each of the above for only $3.25 
(Reg. catalog value $4.00) 
All Bulbs Are Labeled. Order by Number. 
MISS ELSIE JANE 
Please Do Not Request Substitutions. 
Hou to Grou Dahliar... 
PLANTING AND CULTURE 
Dahlias will grow in any garden soil, and superior flowers can 
be produced with a little extra care. The ground should be in 
a moist growing condition at all times, especially during the 
blooming season. After all danger of frost is past, plant the 
tubers in an open sunny location in holes four to six inches 
deep and two to three feet apart, either in rows or in mass 
effects. If stakes are used for name tags and support later on, 
they should be set at planting time. Cover the tuber with about 
two inches of soil and fill in as the sprout grows. To avoid too 
tall a bush pinch out the top of the plant just under the 
first set of leaves when five or six side branches have appeared. 
Water every week, soaking the ground thoroughly. 
FERTILIZER 
Bone meal may be mixed with the soil in the hole at planting 
time—a small cupful to each plant. Commercial fertilizers 
may be used—rather sparingiy—about three weeks between 
applications during the flowering season, but be sure the 
dust does not get closer than four inches to the stalk. Imme- 
diate watering is advised. Cow or sheep manures are good, 
especially for the humus content, but not horse manure, as 
it will give too rank a growth. 
INSECT CONTROL 
Insects on dahlias can be easily controlled by using DDT for 
thrips, leaf-hoppers, and cucumber or twelve spot beetles. 
Any insecticide with a nicotine base can be used for aphids. 
Follow directions on the package. For red spider use para- 
thion, either dust of spray. 
CUT FLOWERS 
Dahlias should be cut when the blooms are fully matured, be- 
cause they do not open out in water. An immature flower 
will wilt and one too old will shatter. Pick them late at night 
or early in the morning, using a sharp knife to make a slanting 
cut. Put them in deep cold water and let them stand several 
hours before arranging. Scrape the stems slightly for about 
five to six inches at the base or dip the stems in very hot 
water for a minute or two. This will make the flowers last 
longer because it opens up the pores and allows them to 
absorb more water. 
DIGGING AND STORING 
Late in the fall, usually after a frost, cut the bushes off close 
to the ground. Dig the clumps carefully, making sure the 
roots are not broken away from the stalk or the necks are not 
twisted or broken. Trim off the stalk as close to the clump 
as possible. Store the clumps in crates or barrels in a place 
free from frost, but not so dry that tubers will shrivel. A good 
rule to follow for storing dahlias is to keep them as you would 
potatoes. Divide the clumps at planting time after the eyes 
or sprouts are easily seen. Never plant the whole clump. 
This will make a cluster of weaker bushes instead of one 
strong plant. 
