Dahlias. 1918 : pride of the garden / F.C. Burns, dahlia specialist.

Historic, Archive Document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

<3f* 0L IB urns

^aljlia specialist

^Rafael,

California

£2;-0?

THE JOURNAL

SAN RAFAEL

THE DAHLIA.

The Dahlia is a native of Mexico, and before
the invasion of Mexico by Cortez was grown b)
the Aztecs under the name Acoctli.

It was named Dahlia in honor of Professor
Andrew Dahl, a Swedish Botanist, and was first
cultivated in Europe about 130 years ago.

Dahlia Variabilis, the forerunner of the com-
mon or Show Dahlias, was single in its wild state.
The first perfectly double flowers were obtained
by M. Dankelaar o-f the Botannical Gardens of
Belgium in 1814, and from this source came the
well known double varieties so common in the gar-
dens of the East a half century ago.

Dahlia Juarezi, the original Cactus Dahlia, was
named after a former President of Mexico, and
was discovered in Juxphaor, Mexico, in 1872, by
J. T. Vanderberg, and sent by him to an English
flroist who exhibited it in England in 1882. The
graceful form and brilliant color of the flower a^
once captured the fancy of flower lovers, and to-
day there is no flower more popular.

The progeny of Dahlia Juarezi not only “broke”
into various colors, but into dififerent shapes as
well. It was by selecting the most desirable of
these and reselecting the finest from each succeed-
ing generation of plants, that the Cactus Dahlia
has been worked up to its present state of per-
fection. The contrast between Juarezi and some
o-f its gorgeous descendents, is so great that it
almost staggers belief.

The Pompon form appeared about 1858-1830.
Next came the decorative type which is about
forty years old and most recently the Hybrid
Cactus and the peony class which dates back but
a few years and are becoming very popular.

Indeed, the marvelous transformation wrought
in the wonderful flower in the past 34 years must
seem to those unacquainted with the possibilities
of plant life more like a tale from Arabian Nights
than actual reality.

2

CULTURE OF DAHLIAS

The dahlia is one of the easiest of all flowers
to cultivate and will produce more flowers than
any other plant grown flowering all summer and
fall if the simple cultural directions are followed
closely. They can be grown in any good garden
soil, but if possible plant in an open sunny situa-
tion. Prepare the soil thoroughly by digging 12
to 18 inches deep in the fall, if possible, and again
in the spring. Plant any time between April 20th
and June 1st, digging holes six inches deep and
from three to four feet apart. Then lay in the
tuber flat on its side, the size of which makes no
difference as long as it has one strong eye or
sprout. Cover three inches deep, thus leaving the
hole one half full, to be filled after plant comes up
6 to 8 inches above the ground.

As soon as the plant is large enough, cut out
the top of it just above the second or third set of
leaves, which causes the plant to grow a strout
branch at the base of each of the four or six
leaves left. Just as soon as the plants are up the
most important thing to do is to keep the soil
loose and mellow by hoeing or cultivating once
or twice a week and just as soon after each rain
as the soil will permit. As soon as the buds
appear stop all cultivation and give the beds a
mulch of rotted manure, leaves, etc. Water the
beds and plants thoroughlv once or twice a week
and especially during the drv weather. Tie each
plant to a strong stake so it may have a strong
support. To have the greatest success is to keep
them growing but as strong and sturdy as pos-
sible. Never allow the faded flowers to remain
on the plant but cut them off with as much stem

3

or stalk as you can. To have larger blooms it
is necessary to disbud, leaving the center bud and
taking off the side ones, leaving a stem approxi-
mately eighteen inches long. Dahlias will con-
tinue to bloom until a heavy frost kills the tops
in late fall, after which the tops are cut off and
the roots are dug and stored in a frost proof cellar
or basement, covering with dry soil, sand or any-
thing that will keep them from shriveling. Divide
in the spring after the eyes begin to show.

DAHLIA SEED.

Much pleasure can be derived from growing
dahlia seeds. Dahlias grow very easily from seed,
plant early, then transplant after danger of frost.
They will make large plants, the first year. For
bedding purposes they may be planted 24 inches
apart but for trying out they can be planted very
close. As they bloom the unsatisfactory plants
may be discarded and more room left for the suit-
able ones.

Seed artificially fertilized and gathered from the
best varieties of Decorative Hybrid Cactus and
Paeony dahlias. 50cts pkt. of 25 seeds

4

FOREWORD

I TAKE great pleasure in presenting this cata-
logue to my customers and friends. I do not
list a large collection, but such varieties that have
been selected for their superiority in color, per-
fection of form, length and stiffness of stem, con-
tinuous blooming, etc. In the following selection
the public taste is well satisfied. I aim to give
prompt and careful (attention. Prices are for

divided field grown roots, pot grown bulbs or
green plants. Either kind will give equally good
results. Many experienced growers prefer green
plants.

TERMS — All orders are delivered prepaid.
Large orders are best sent by express.

CASH with order or in advance of shipment.

SPECIAL OFFER— A fine collection of dah-
lias, my own selection, consisting of the best var-
ieties giving a good variatio nof color and type.

12 different varieties $2.50

25 different varieties 5.00

I guarantee all roots and plants to be healthy,
and true to name. Having no control over them
after delivery I do not guarantee them to live and
thrive. They should be returned up on delivery
if not satisfactory. As I desire to give satisfaction
to. all who have favored me with an order, notify
me immediately of any error.

ORDER EARLY — As orders are received
stock will be reserved and sent at the proper time.

I beg to offer sincere thanks to all who have
favored me with their kind orders.

SPECIAL OFFER — All orders amounting to
$10.00 or over allowed 10% discount.

5

MY 1918 INTRODUCTIONS.

MRS. F. C. BURNS

Awarded fourth prize C. D. S. Trial Gardens
1917. A shell pink decorative, very striking, one
of the best for all purposes, excellent habits. Very
choice. $2.50 each

FRANCIS BURNS, Jr.

Awarded third prize C. D. S. Trial Gardens
1917. Light pink shading to white in center; this
variety is exceptional prolific good stems, flowers
medium size. The coming dahlia. $2.50 each

SAN RAFAEL

An unique paeony dahlia salmon pink shading
to. yellow, same coloring as Beauty of Glasewood
or San Rafael rose, good stems and keeping qual-
ities. Something different. $2.50 each

MT. TAMALPAIS

Dark red paeony. One of the largest dahlias
to date; taking the first prize for the largest dahlia
in the show C. D. S. 1917, flowers 11 inches across,
very prolific and good stems. $2.50 each

EUGENE BURGLE

One of my best 1918 introductions, a red dec-
orative very prolific and fine for cut flowers, an
improved seedlings from the famous Minnie Burgle
which I introduced in 1911. $2.50 each

For new varieties plant from seed.

6

All Dahlias guaranteed true to name.

THE GRIZZLY

A dark maroon red decorative ; without a doubt
this is one of the best and most prolific dahlias to
date. Stems 3 feet long; plants grow 3 or 4 feet
in diameter, flowers are extra large and reflexed
which makes it attractive. The name was selected
by the public at the Palace and St. Francis dahlia
shows 1917. Awarded fifth prize C. D. S. Trial
Gardens 1917. One of my best. A rare novelty.

$5.00 each

7

HORTALANUS FEIT

Salmon pink decorative, beautifully shaded with
yellow in center making a wonderful combination.
Large flowers on lo.ng stout stems. 50cts. each

OLD GOLD

Decorative. A wonderful new variety of old
gold color with very little shading, prolific bloomer.
Something different. $1.00 each

GEISHA

Paeony flowering type of a rich color with shad-
ing of orange red tipped with yellow. Sure bloom-
er and fine for cutting. 35cts. each

MASTERPIECE

Decorative. A splendid flower, color clear
rich tango without shading. Unexcelled for its
productiveness, flowers held on long stiff and
straight stems. Fine for cut flowers purposes.

35cts. each

TANGO

Large paeony type of wonderful coloring consist-
ing of bronze and salmon. Fine stem and a pro-
lific bloomer. Splendid as a cut flower. A Cali-
fornia production. 50cts. each

POMPON DAHLIAS

These produce small compact flowers perfectly
formed, reminding one of a minature show dahlia.
Very attractive. Unequalled for cutting and gar-
den display. 25cts. each. 12 different varieties $2.50

Water thoroughly in dry season.

8

MRS. R. LOHRMANN

Decorative. A pure golden yellow of immense
size, full center with broad slightly twisted petals,
very productive and a good keeper. $1.00 e^ch

DR. H. TEVIS

First prize C. D. S. Trial Garden. A Decora-
tive of enormous size flowers measure 9 to 11 inches
in diameter held erect on long stiff stems, a pretty
shade of salmon rose, suffused with old gold. A
rare novelty. $2.50 each net

STAR OF WASHINGTON

A very attractive paeony shell pink shading to
cream in center. This dahlia received honors at
the C. D. S. Trial Gardens for the most prolific
dahlia exhibited. Good stems. $1.00 each

Read culture notes page 3 and 4.

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PRIDE OF CALIFORNIA

A large red decorative that cannot be beaten ;
very large flowers, held on extra good stems, very
prolific and an exceptionally good keeper. Fine for
garden and exhibition. Awarded second prize
C. D. S. Gardens 1917. $2.50 each

SUNSHINE

A bright flame red decorative, a color very sel-
dom seen in dahlias, slightly flushed with yellow ;
flowers are very deep, held on good stems. An-
other Californian that is becoming very popular.

$1.50 each

OXMOUTH GLORY

A very pretty paeony dahlia canary yellow tip-
ped white ; it likes partial shade, exceptionally pro-
lific fine for garden or exhibition purposes ; very
attractive. $1.00 each

PACIFIC

A beautiful decorative dahlia with a combina-
tion of light pink and yellow. Excellent as cut
flowers and a splendid keeper. Large flowers.
Very good. 50cts.

Disbudding increases the size of the flowers.

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HENRY MAIER

A California production. True yellow decor-
ative, very often called yellow Minnie Burgle.
Profuse bloomer throwing flowers on long stiff
stems. A prize winner. 75cts. each

MRS. T. A. MUNRO

A giant cactus dahlia that I can highly recom-
mend ; color, amber shading to old gold ; blooms
measure 9 to 10 inches across. It has a perfect
stem which most cactus dahlias lack, holding the
flowers erect above the foliage. $1.00 each

CREAM KING

One of the most beautiful new paeony dahlias.
A pretty shade of cream and primrose. A good
sized flower with splendid formation blooming
throughout the season. 75cts.

All orders prepaid to any part of LJ. S.

li

TOM LUNDY

One of the largest hybrid cactus grown. Of
bright velvet red held on good stems and a very
prolific bloomer. One of our most sensational
novelties. Awarded a first priz*e P. - P. I. E.
1915. $1.00 each

CHARMINSTER

A true decorative of salmon terra cotta. An
unusual shade amo-ng dahlias. This is a very
attractive flower. A prolific bloomer with long
graceful stems. 75cts. each

YELLOW KING

Hybrid Cactus. Clear yellow, extra large and
a prolific bloomer. Yellow King surpasses any
other variety of its type and color. Very choice.

75cts.

F. W. FELLOWS

One of the largest cactus dahlias. A very free
bloomer with an excellent stem ; color is pure orange
which makes it very attractive and novel. 50cts.each

My aim is to give satisfaction.

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ALASKA

White decorative of great merit. This is one
of our own introductions. A good bloomer, flow-
ers of a good size and held on long straight stems.

75cts. each

LADY LAVENDER

Decorative. The best lavender to date; some
thing unusual : very free with fine stems ; likes
cool climate. SI. 00 each

FUTURITY

A wonderful new English decorative. Flowers
stand erect on long stiff stems. A beautiful shade
of shrimp pink and old rose. Very pleasing.

75cts. each

GENERAL JOFFRE

A wonderful new decorative, a most pleasing
pink shading in the center to nearly white. Flowers
held erect on good stems. General Joffre is fast
becoming the popular cut flower. 75cts. each

Plant dahlias from seed- See page 4.

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PIERROTT

Cactus amber tipped white, very striking', and
with very prolific growth. One of the best.

50cts. each

MINNIE BURGLE

The best red decorative. A California produc-
tion of wonderful merit. We were the first to
introduced this grand variety. 25cts. each

DELICE

A most beautiful rose pink, decorative, perfectly
formed and one of the best varieties known for
keeping. 25cts. each

WODAN

Hybrid Cactus beautifully shaded salmon rose
to. old gold in center and a very vigorous grower.
Flowers beautifully formed. 35cts. each

AMERICA

A very fine decorative dahlia with a rich amber
color. Flowers are of a fair size, a prolific bloom-
er and splendid as a cut flower, verv popular.

25cts. each

BELOIT

A large Flybrid Cactus, the rich crimson flowers
are well formed and stand erect above the plant.
A prolific bloomer and splendid as a cut flower.

35cts. each

COPPER

Large copper colored decorative, very prolific
grower with good stems. $1.00 each

SULPHUREA

One of the latest English decorative novelties.
Large clear sulphur-yellow petals are narrow slight-
ly rolled and reflexed giving the appearance of a
comet aster. Good keeper. $1.00 each

Dahlia novelties my specialty.

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GEO. WALTERS

One of the most beautiful hybrid cactus type.
Bright salmon pink artistically suffused with old
gold. A wonderful bearer. The flowers are
large and held on long stiff stems. Geo. Walters
received the gold medal at the P.-P. I. E., San
Francisco, 1915. $1.00 each

MILLIONAIRE

A giant lavender pink, decorative, one of the
largest, very prolific and fine for exhibition pur-
poses. Taking first prize for the best individual
bloom in the show C. D. S. 1917. $2.50 each

MRS. ALBERTA LEMME

Velvet red decorative. Very fine habit, flo wers
large but graceful, held high above the foliage and
is admired by all. A California production wPh a
great future. 75cts. ■ ach

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