Clark's Dictionary of the Dahlia

There are two general divisions of dahlias — single and double. Then there are several subdivisions of these, according to the form or shape of the flower, as follows:

Anemone or Pin Cushion (A)

The most recent “break” in dahlias. One row of large floral rays, like single dahlias, but with each disc flower producing small tubular petals. Medium size. At a distance resemble Pompons but upon closer inspection resemble the blooms of Scabiosa.

Ball or Show (B)

Round, quilled, compact, double flowers, usually of solid color. The old-fashioned dahlia of grandmother's garden — now greatly improved as to color and size. Variegated Ball dahlias are known as “Fancy,” and Ball dahlias not exceeding two inches in size are called Pompons.

Cactus (C)

So called because of the resemblance of the COLOR, not the shape, to a certain Cactus. Fully double flowers distinguished by long, narrow, twisted, pointed petals. The incurved varieties resemble mammoth chrysanthemums, but are suitable for exhibition and garden decoration purposes only. The straight petaled sorts are best for cutting. The so-called Hybrid Cactus are large, coarse flowers with wide, pointed petals.

Collarette (Col)

French origin. One row of petals, like single dahlias, and in addition a frill or collarette of much smaller petals, usually of a lighter color, around the yellow center disc, although there are now pure white and yellow varieties like the kinds called Swallow and Canopus. Single dahlias do not keep well as cut flowers but, strange to say. Collarettes last very well.

Decorative (D)

Large, loose, double flowers, full or nearly full to the center with broad, nearly flat petals. Perhaps the greatest advancement in dahlias has been along the lines covered by this classification.

Duplex (Dup)

Semi-double, with more than nine florets and less than three rows of petals. Might better be described as halfway between a Single and a Peony. “Star” dahlias, grown but little in this country, are about the same as Duplex dahlias, only that they are cup-shaped.

Much pleasure can be derived from growing dahlias from seed. They bloom the first year and are the means by which the finest novelties introduced were derived. Easily grown and will bloom in about ten weeks from sowing, or you can plant dahlia seed too late to flower and harvest the tubers to plant and flower the following year.

The creation of just one new variety should be well worthwhile, for it would be yours — to name and introduce. And then there is always the chance of producing a prize-winner that might mean big money for the original propagator. Any of the following seeds, sown this spring, will give this year a garden full of plants, flowers and then tubers.

Dahlia catalogs as a rule are more or less typographical puzzles. Each class is divided into different sections, such as “New Introductions,” “Colossal Novelties,” “Standard List,” etc., etc. If you happen to be looking for a certain variety, this makes it necessary for you to search all through the catalog before finding what you want.

Dahlias can be successfully used in parks or where there is sufficient space, for forming large beds, by planting some of the taller varieties in the center, then selecting sorts that gradually work down to the outer border. The height in feet is given in a number of cases as a guide.

I tell the plain, unvarnished truth about dahlias — and nothing more. Good dahlias are good enough to use up all legitimate adjectives upon which I would care to spend postage. 

But I have even left out the adjectives. Words like “wonderful,” “beautiful,” “best,” “exquisite,” etc., add nothing to the description— all dahlias are beautiful.

Give the dahlias garden conditions, a reasonably fertile soil, setting the tubers away from large trees, giving them the same cultivation you would potatoes or other vegetables, and they will produce a perfect forest of bloom.

The dahlia is so easily grown, a flower lover will get more pleasure from a patch of dahlias than from any other flower. No flower has such a great variety in color and form.

AMERICAN DAHLIA SOCIETY. A cordial invitation is extended to join the A. D. S. Yearly dues $2.00. Secretary, William J. Rathgeber, 198 Norton Street, New Haven, Conn. 

CULTIVATION. As soon as the plants are up, begin to cultivate. Keep the soil loose just as soon after each rain as possible. Dahlias respond to good care. Only animals and plants are grateful. Man alone deceives and cheats. All is not sentiment in the garden — even though assisted by sunshine and shower, there will be weariness and often disappointment. Each has its antidote. Suppose it is difficult to accomplish all you desire, the pleasure is often in proportion to the obstacles overcome.

CUT FLOWERS. Dahlia flowers can be shipped safely halfway across the continent. Blooms sold from August until killing frost. $1.50, $2.00 and $3.00 a dozen. Also long distance shipment boxes, prepaid to any address, with your card, $5.00 or $10.00 each.

DAHLIA DAY DREAMS. I am neither a lecturer, actor or orator but, for a consideration, I will deliver what might be called an oral dahlia show, entitled “Dahlia Day Dreams.” Garden Clubs, Florists’ Associations, Horticultural Schools, etc., will receive syllabus, terms, etc., upon request.

GROW DAHLIAS. Sure you can buy flowers. They are like other people’s children — prettier than yours, perhaps, but not your own. They are only yours by right of purchase and have not been made precious by love and care expended in rearing and safeguarding them. A dahlia you have planted and tended, bursting into bloom, is productive of keen happiness. Only those who raise flowers are susceptible to joys of this kind. So I say it again — Grow Dahlias.

GUARANTEE. I offer strong divisions with one or more eyes. Every tuber is guaranteed to grow. But tubers to be replaced can be shipped the following spring only and all tubers to be replaced must be returned. I send only such stock as is first-class and in good condition. Since I have no control over stock after it leaves my place, I cannot assume responsibility for failures due to improper planting or neglect after tubers have left my hands. I guarantee all stock true to name and in a healthy growing condition when sent out. Any stock which proves otherwise will be gladly replaced or the price therefor returned.

HOT WATER TREATMENT. To revive withered flowers, plunge the stalks in boiling water and leave them in it till it becomes cold. Then cut about one inch from the ends of the stalks. Do not say “it can’t be done” until you have tried it.

ONE STALK ENOUGH. After planting, if more than one stalk comes up, pull up all but one. Gardeners, for example, do not plant a dozen tomato plants in one hole — they use one plant and leave plenty of space around it — and that is the way it should be with dahlias. People who plant two or three tubers, or even a whole clump, to a hill, would not plant a peck of potatoes or a pint of corn to a hill.

ORDERS. My terms are cash with order. I prefer not to receive C.O.D. orders, but if such are sent they should be accompanied by cash to one-fourth the value of the goods ordered to insure acceptance. Orders taken at the fall shows (some varieties not listed herein), and all others not fully paid, will be sent C.O.D. unless previous arrangements have been made.

PERSONAL SERVICE. Arrangements can be made to secure my personal attendance, consideration and advice regarding plans, sites, soil, selection, planting, cultivation, exhibition, etc., by estates, parks, nurserymen and florists. My charge for this consultation service is $50.00 a day, plus railroad fare. Open time and further information upon request.

PLANTING. Lay tubers flat and cover about six inches. Plants should stand about three feet apart. When you receive your box of dahlias, do not open them and then set aside to dry up. If not ready to plant, place tubers at once in a box of damp (not wet) sand or earth. If a tuber shows no eye, the best and only proper place to start it is in the ground where it is to bloom. The last sentence may not seem of any great importance, nevertheless, it is worth reading again.

REFERENCE WORK. The Abridged Dictionary of the Dahlia is something more than a catalog— quite a few people in the trade say they use it as a standard reference book. It is distributed free, but for those who would like a more substantial form it can be furnished bound in boards for $1.00, and in leather at $2.00.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS. See Matthew 6:28-29.

SEED. I offer a small quantity of Hybrid Dahlia Seed, in a general mixture, at One Dollar a packet. This seed should produce some good new varieties as the pollination was well done. I try to sow seeds of kindness as well as those of plants — order a package of seeds and I may wrap up some of this spirit with the goods.

SEEDLINGS. Here is something new. I shall have a surplus of seedling dahlia plants left after my own planting, and so offer a limited number at $2.00 a dozen or $15.00 a hundred, postpaid. June delivery only. These plants will be grown from selected hand hybridized seed taken from the best varieties. Every plant is a new variety.

SOIL. Dahlias succeed in almost any soil, but do best in light soil with good drainage. Fertilize after the buds have formed. If soil is too rich when tubers are planted, you may get plenty of perfectly good foliage but not so many flowers. Some of the finest dahlias I ever saw were growing in coal ashes.

SPECIAL. Calling attention to a decorative dahlia I introduced in 1914, named — by permission— Mrs. Vernon Castle. Glowing rose pink, brightened by white. A vigorous grower, profuse and continuous bloomer — flowers large, on good stems. The price — $1.50 each, $15.00 a dozen. Please try this variety.

Those not fully acquainted with the characteristics of the many varieties of dahlias, but desiring inexpensive, choice, reliable and well varied collections, cannot do better than order some of the following — all excellent values.

Collection “A” — 12 tubers, without labels. Standard varieties, names accidentally lost in handling, $1.

Collection “B” — 12 named varieties, labeled, my selection, no two alike, $2 — worth $3 at retail.

Collection “C” — 9 tubers, my selection, labeled, one each of the following: Cactus, Collarette, Decorative, Duplex, Fancy, Peony, Pompon, Show and Single, $2 — retail value about $3,

Collection “D” — 6 varieties, labeled, $1.

Collection “E” — 12 varieties, or more, of extra choice tubers, very carefully selected, no two alike, all labeled, $5 — retail value not less than $7.50.

Collection “F” — 25 tubers, red, yellow, pink and white. Standard named sorts, but unlabeled. Sold this way to even up stock. $2.50.

Collection “G” — 12 of the best exhibition varieties, my selection, no two alike, labeled, $10.

Color Collection — A White, Yellow, Pink, Red and Maroon, one each, $1. Or any color or colors, $15 per 100.

$1 Collections — 6 tubers, no two alike, various classes, OR, 5, all different, of either Ball, Cactus, Decorative, Pompon, Peony or Single, $1, labeled, my selection. Mixed unlabeled, 12 for $1. Any six $1 collections, $5.