Dahlia
Dahlia
List of files and visuals associated with this text.
The many types of dahlia like a fertile well drained soil with a constant supply of moisture. Mulch the bed and avoid giving the plants high nitrogen. On poor sites the plants are leggy. Best growth occurs in full sun but the plants tolerate partial shade. Do not plant Dahlias until the soil has warmed up as the roots rot in cold wet soil. Tall varieties may need a support stake installed at planting time. Removal of side buds gives larger flowers. Remove the old flowers as they fade to promote blooming.
Large varieties are spaced two and one-half feet apart, pompoms two feet apart, and dwarfs 12 to 18 inches apart. Most are planted 6 to 10 inches deep. When shoots are 3 or 4 feet tall, thin them to the 3 most vigorous shoots. Frosted plants are cut down to 4 to 6 inches above ground level. Dig the roots and allow them to dry. Cover them with sand or peat and store them at 50 degrees.
Dahlias are propagated by division or cuttings. For cuttings, use new shoots and make cuttings 3 to 4 inches long. Remove the basal leaves and insert the cuttings in sand, perlite or vermiculite. The root clumps are divided in the spring. Each division needs part of the old stem on it.
Visuals associated with this text.
| Visual title - Visual size | Visual title - Visual size |
|---|---|
| Dahlia - 62K | Dahlia spp. - 96K |
| Dahlia x hybrida - 93K |
