CUTTING DAHLIAS: Cut early in the morning or late at night.  Place flowers immediately into hot (130)  degree water, then set aside in a cool draft free area to cool for 2 hours before arranging.  When arranging your flowers remove any leaves that would be under water.  Display your flowers in a cool part of your home out of direct sunlight.  By misting regularly, changing the water every other day, and re-cutting the stems your blooms will last several days.