Dahlia
is a widely popular and a beautiful addition to any garden. They come in
different colors , sizes and bloom types. Generally blooms from midsummer to
winter. So you can enjoy its beauty around 8 months of the year. Dahlia can be grown
from tubers easily. Follow below tips for better results.
Propagation
Propagated from seeds
and tubers ( Inflated roots due to food storage) . But tubers are good option
of propagation and odds of success are high in this case. Plant the tubers around Mid April – Mid May in
sunny location. Tubers should contain a
growing point, it is also called as an eye. Face eye upward and plant it 4-6
inch deep in well drained soil. Keep the
soil moist. Don’t water the tubers right
after planting as it encourages rot. Water regularly after new growth reaches
at least 6 inches. Dahlia is heavy feeders so use good compost mix in soil. Use
snail and slug bait to protect new sprouts.
You can propagate it
from seeds too.
Container
Choose container size
on basis of your plant variety. Mid to large size container for tall growing
type. Small container will do for small size variety. But the container should
have good drainage facility as standing water can cause tuber rot.
Soil
Use garden soil with
good amount of compost mix. Dahlia thrives in well drained humus rich soil. Add
in sand, peat moss or bagged steer manure to lighten or loosen soil texture for
better results. pH level of soil should be slightly acidic around 6.5 to 7.0.
Sun
/ Temperature
Place container at
direct sunlight site. It requires 6-8 hours of sun to grow more blooms.
Watering
Dahlia has high water
demand. Water it regularly, increase in
hot months and dryer climate. Dahlia blooms after 8 weeks of planting in Mid
July. Start watering right after that.
Blooming depends much on proper watering.
Fertilizer
Feed plant with liquid fertilizer such as used for vegetables or use low
nitrogen fertilizer as 5-10-10 , 10-20-20 or 0-20-20 to encourage good quality
bloom and growth. Avoid high nitrogen based fertilizer as it will promote weak
stem and small blooms or no blooms.
Staking
When plant is 3 feet or
more taller use metal rods, tomatoes cage for staking.
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