FIELD OF DAHLIAS 
DIGGING AND STORING OF ROOTS 
After killing frost, the tops need not be cut off. 
Leave roots in: the ground as long as there is no 
danger of freezing. look out for November cold 
waves. 
After digging, store immediately without special 
drying. Pack in peat moss, shaving, sawdust, sand or 
vermiculite etc. If you have a method of storing that 
works, stick to it. 
Examine roots two or three times during the winter 
and if necessary to prevent shrivelling, add moisture. 
In the spring sprout roots if necessary, by planting 
in soil in a warm place. Separate, one sprout to a 
division, by splitting the stem and crown according 
to the sprouts. 
INSECTS. Control of insects is important. DDT has 
helped greatly in overcoming these pests. Dust once 
a week in the evening when air is still with 2% to 
5% DDT. We have found that DDT takes care of 
the sucking and chewing insects that are so harmful 
to the Dahlia. If red spider shows up, we suggest 
washing the underside leaves of the plant with a 
strong spray of cold water. Parathion is the answer 
to control of red spider, but as yet it is not in 
general use. 
DISBUDDING. To get the best flowers on long stems, 
it is advisable to disbud. You can pinch out the tops 
of dahlia plants after the third set of leaves appear, 
or you can wait for the crown bud to appear. Pinch 
two of the smaller buds from this crown bud. Like- 
wise pinch side laterals two joints from the top bud. 
If the former method of pinching center of plant is 
used, you may disbud each of the four laterals 
which will appear. Leaving top main center bud on 
each lateral, pinching all other two joints down. 
CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
SOIL PREPARATION. Dahlias are not fussy about soil, 
providing it is deeply cultivated and well drained with 
plenty of humus. 
TIME TO PLANT. The proper time to plant for best 
results is May 15th. For exhibition, we advise June 
Ist to 10th in the Ohio Valley. You have until July 
Ist for good results. 
HOW TO PLANT. Select a sunny location. They will 
not grow in deep shade. Drive a good strong stake 
down for each dahlia, and have them 3 ft. apart. 
At each stake mix in one handful of bone meal or 
any well recommended fertilizer. Place the root in a 
horizontal position 4 to 6 inches deep. You may now 
fill in level over root or leave a slight depression 
which may be filled in as the dahlia grows. If you 
are planting green plants soak in shallow water for 
a few minutes in order to freshen them after their 
journey thru the mail. Plant the roots of the plant 
about 4 inches deep leaving a slight depression to 
be filled in as plant grows. Water well and if it is 
hot sun on the day you plant, protect them thru the 
heat of the day. 
CULTIVATION. Keep the soil well cultivated throughout 
the season—but very shallow. Just scrape off the top, 
getting the weeds, but not disturbing the tender feed- 
ing roots that are very close to the surface. Unless 
weather is very dry, dahlias will need little watering 
until the buds appear. If it is dry, give them a good 
heavy soaking once a week. Don't water them a 
little every night. When the plants are about one 
foot high, sprinkle any good commercial fertilizer 
high in potash and phosphate, about a foot away 
from the plant and gently rake it in. 
Detailed cultural instructions will be sent with each 
order. 
If sold out of any variety listed in Bargains or Collections we reserve the right to substitute an 
equal or better variety in a similar type and color; or you may suggest substitutions and we will 
try to please you. 
