Dahlias
- Dahlias are one of the most popular and showy annuals in any garden. They come in white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and bicolours.
- They are grown from tubers and are a little bit of work to get started but worth the effort.
- They prefer well-drained soil that isn't too rich in nitrogen. Dahlias require full sun.
- For medium-sized varieties, plant bulbs 2 feet apart (60 cm) after the last frost. Dig the hole 6 inches deep (15 cm) and set a stake 3 inches (8 cm) from the tuber. Cover it with 2 inches (5 cm) of soil and water well.
- As the rhizome grows, add more soil until the hole is filled. Stake and tie the growing stems every 12 inches (30 cm).
- When the weather is dry, water them well because new buds can't grow through the toughened stems.
- Their size ranges between 1 to 5 feet high (30 cm to 1.6 m) depending on the variety.
- To make stronger, bushier plants, pinch off the main leader once 3 sets of leaves have grown.
- For dwarf varieties, pinch the leader off a second time.
- For larger or show flowers, disbud all the side buds when they are about the size of peas. The remaining buds will grow bigger.
- Cut off any dead flower heads, or they will stop new blooms from developing.
- Weed carefully so that you don't damage the roots. Put down mulch when the plants are 18 inches high (45 cm) to keep the soil moist, cool, and help control weeds.
Dahlia rhizomes can be replanted for years if you save them properly:
- After the first light frost, gently (as they bruise easily) dig up the tubers, leaving 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the stem to ensure the plant has a growing eye.
- Brush the dirt off the tubers and hang them upside down outside on a sunny day or in an airy garage until they are dry.
- Store them in a box covered with peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite in a cool place that stays above freezing but under 50°F (10°C).
- Label your Dahlias well if you have more than one variety and check on them during the winter in case any get damaged or start to rot.
- In spring, if you want to propagate them, let the rhizome sprout a little before carefully dividing it with a knife.
Fascinating Facts about Dahlias!
- Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America.
- There are over 42 different species of dahlias and over 20,000 cultivars (a type of plant that has been bred for specific characteristics).
- The largest dahlia ever grown was over 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and weighed more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds)!
- Dahlias come in all shapes and sizes, from small pompon dahlias to large dinner plate dahlias that can be over a foot (30 cm) in diameter!
- Dahlias can be grown in almost any color, except for true blue (although some dahlias have blue-ish hues).
- Dahlias are often used as cut flowers in bouquets and arrangements because they have a long vase life and come in so many different colors and shapes.
- Some dahlias can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall!
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