Dahlias are mid-to-late season flowers that are available a huge array of colours and forms, from small bedding dahlias to plate-sized blossoms atop 6-foot stems. Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias boast over 20,000 cultivars and became darlings of plant breeders and flower shows alike.

Most folks consider dahlias as cut flowers, and while they are doing bring exceptional arrangements, they also deserve recognition as garden plants. Although they will be a touch temperamental and fussy about the weather and their growing conditions, many more recent cultivars are bred to be more reliable and easy-growing.

While often labeled as perennials, dahlias are literally too tender to go away out all winter altogether but the warmest climates, where ground temperatures don’t dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. You either need to dig and store the tubers or grow them as annuals and replace them annually within the spring. Still, they’ll grow quickly each season, often reaching maturity and blooming in about eight weeks.

Dahlia Care

For such stunning flowers, dahlias are literally fairly easy to grow. almost like many bulbed flowers, dahlias are grown from tubers, which may be started indoors in early spring and moved outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. (Likewise, you’ll wait until the soil has warmed and dried a touch within the spring, then plant them directly outdoors.)

Plant large tubers about 6 to eight inches deep, while the smaller varieties are often planted 3 to 4 inches deep. Ensure they thrive by choosing a spot with tons of sunshine and watering regularly. Within a couple of months, you’ll be treated to the simplest reward—a garden filled with stunning, colorful, and oversized blooms.

Dahlia’s are able to be cut once the central flowers are fully opened. Harvest the blooms within the morning, when the plants are filled with water, to make sure the longest-lasting flowers. once you get them indoors, plunge the stems into 2 or 3 inches of hot (not boiling) water to seal them. Leave them there until the water cools, then arrange as desired.

Light

In order to flower well, dahlias need full sun, preferably a minimum of six to eight hours each day. In hotter climates (primarily USDA zones 8 and up) they’re going to do better with a touch of shade during the height afternoon hours when the sun is particularly hot and thus can risk burning the plants.

Soil

Dahlias sort of a rich, well-draining soil with many organic matter and a reasonably neutral soil pH of around 6.5. If you’re planting your dahlia tubers before time in containers, mix during a little bit of garden soil for better moisture retention—potting soil can dry out quickly and it’s especially important that the tubers stay moist until they need sufficient roots.

Water

Dahlias—especially young plants—do not need plenty of water so as to thrive. In fact, over-watering the plant can actually pose more of a possible issue, as excessive water can cause them to rot. Because the roots of the dahlia are on the brink of the surface of the soil, typical summer rainfall can usually suffice. If you get but 1 inch of rain in seven days (or are handling especially hot temperatures), decide to supplement with additional watering. However, with dahlias, it’s important to never let the soil dry out—because they’re not deep-rooted, a dry top layer of soil equals a dry plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Timing is particularly important when it involves planting and growing dahlias, as they’ll struggle to determine in cold soil. Wait until your final spring frost has passed and therefore the ground temperatures have reached around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (you can get your tubers started indoors before time if you’d like).

Additionally, dahlias like humidity when being stored as tubers, but require no additional humidity in their environment when growing throughout the spring and summer outdoors.

Fertilizer

Dahlias benefit greatly from being treated with fertilizer—the more food they get, the larger roots they’re going to grow, and subsequently the larger (and more numerous) their flowers are going to be. Whatever sort of fertilizer you select, search for one with a coffee nitrogen ratio, and don’t fertilize the plants after August. you’re getting to be digging and storing the tubers soon and you would like them able to go dormant.

Are Dahlias Toxic?

Dahlias are toxic to pets, though not severely so. Still, avoid planting them in your garden if you’ve got a very curious pet reception , or one that tends to root through the flowers you set during a vase. If you notice your pet has gotten into your dahlias and is experiencing any of the below symptoms, call your vet or poison control immediately.

Symptoms of Poisoning

• Rash
• Gastrointestinal irritation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blisters
• Abdominal pain

Common Pests/Diseases

The pests that bug dahlias the foremost are pretty typical to other similar seasonal blooms. the most important issue is certainly slugs, especially while the dahlias are young and little. Earwigs, caterpillars, and thrips also can pose a drag. Additionally, some gardeners say deer love their dahlias et al. claim they avoid them. it’s going to depend upon what else is out there to munch on in your garden, but keep your plants protected just in case.

Dahlias also can be susceptible to mildew and other fungal diseases. Keep the foliage as dry as possible by allowing good air circulation. If you notice an infection, treat it with neem oil or another natural solution.