Dahlia Blue Book for 1948

This is the 1948 Dahlia Blue Book from Rocky River Dahlia Gardens in Ohio. The catalog presents dahlia varieties and cultural information. Featured content includes detailed ordering instructions covering early orders, deposits, shipping dates subject to weather and labor factors, substitution policies, and postage guidelines. The American Dahlia Society classification system is explained with abbreviations for flower size (Large, Medium, Ball, Miniature, Pompon), type (Cactus, Decorative, Peony, Single), and color categories. The catalog describes three propagation methods: green plants (rooted cuttings grown in pots), rooted cuttings, and pot roots (mature clumps in containers). A section on new insecticides discusses DDT's effects on red spider control and a promising experimental compound (No. 3422) for pest management. Rocky River Introductions feature four dahlia varieties with awards: Barbara Veirs (reddish-purple semi-cactus), Great Lakes (white informal with multiple Achievement Medals), Red Glamour (large red informal), and Bo Bo (partially described miniature formal).