Regardless of method used for storing, it is very important that an examination 
of the clumps be made about once a month during the storage period. If it is found 
that rot or mold has set in, greater air circulation should be provided. If roots are 
shrivelling it may be necessary to add a little moisture and give the containers more 
covering. 
Ideal storage temperatures are from forty to forty five degrees, altho no notice- 
able harm occurs at temperatures down to just above freezing and up to sixty five 
or seventy degrees. Proper humidity of the air in the storage room is an aid to 
good results; it being advisable in some cases to place a pail or tub of water in the 
storage room. In other cases it will be advisable to provide for additional circulation 
or drying of the air. Experience and observation will eventually determine a successful 
method for your conditions. 
The clumps may be divided at any time but it is best to wait until the eyes or 
sprouts show distinctly. Never plant the entire clump. For best results divide it so 
that there is but one sprout to each division. Usually good clumps will average four 
or more divisions. 
We will be glad to answer any further questions regarding these or any other 
phases of dahlia culture. OUR SERVICE DOES NOT END WITH THE SALE. 
How To Handle Cut Flowers So They Will Keep 
The life of dahlia blooms after they are cut may be very much prolonged by a 
few simple precautions taken at the time of cutting. 
First of all, cut only FULLY MATURED blooms. Flowers with a withered petal or 
two on the back will keep longer, under similar conditions, than young blooms. If 
desired, the withered petals may be picked, or cut off. Cut a longer stem than will 
be necessary in the vase or container, for which the flowers are wanted. 
Cut the flowers early in the morning before they start to wilt, or in the evening 
after they have revived from the effects of the sun and winds of the day. Make the 
cut with a sharp knife so that the microscopic tubes in the stem, which supply water 
to the flower head, are not crushed. 
Flowers should be cut at least eight hours before it is planned to use them. 
As soon after cutting as possible, the stems should be placed in cool water in a cool, 
draughtless part of the basement. When putting the flowers in water in the basement, 
it is to considerable advantage, to trim off an inch or two of the stem under water. 
This cuts off the portion of the stem into which air may have entered the microspic tubes 
and chocked off the supply of water passing up to the flower head. When the supply 
of water fails, of course the flowers wilt. 
After the period of "hardening" or "finishing" in the basement, the flowers may 
be used for their intended purpose. In placing them in their permanent containers 
it is well to again trim off a small portion of the stem under water. In fact, this 
should be done each time the stem is out of water for more than a moment. Use 
only CLEAN water and CLEAN containers; factors which are important but often 
overlooked. Thereafter change the water once a day and trim off the stems. Set 
the containers out of direct sunlight and draughts. Follow the foregoing suggestions 
and you will find the dahlia a long-lasting flower. 
Join Your Dahlia Society 
Dahlias societies are the backbone of dahlia interest and merit your active and 
financial support. Nearly every state, and many localities in these states, have societies 
working in the furtherance of general dahlia culture and the dissemination of information 
regarding all phases of this culture. We will be glad to furnish such information as 
we may have in regard to the ones nearest you. 
Secretaries of dahlia societies are requested to send us their names and addresses, 
and any material they may have relating to their societies, so that we can refer inquiries 
from their localities to them. 
The American Dahlia Society and The Central States Dahlia Society publish inter- 
esting and informative bulletins for their members. Write us for membership applica- 
tions. 
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