Overview
Dahlias arebeloved garden plants renownedfor their vivacious blooms anddiverse forms . If you ’re eager to civilise these captivating flower , mastering the artistry of planting dahlia bulbs is essential . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with step - by - tone instructions and valuable tips to ensure your dahlias thrive and flower profusely .
Selecting Dahlia Bulbs
The founding of a successful dahlia garden lies inselecting healthyand feasible electric-light bulb . bet for firm , plump bulbsthat are free of blemishes or soft blot . Choose varieties that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions .
Preparing the Soil
Dahlias prefer well - drain , fertile soilwith a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . remedy the dirt with constituent matter such as compost orpeat mossto meliorate its structure and natality . Dig the planting holes twice the width of the bulb and just as deep .
Planting the Bulbs
1 . Timing : plant life dahlia bulbsin the spring after the last rime . Inwarmer climates , pass plantingis also possible.2 . space : Space the bulbs 12 - 18 in apart to allow forproper growthand atmosphere circulation.3 . orientation course : Place thebulbs horizontallywith the “ center ” pointed upwards.4 . Depth : Plant the bulbs 4 - 6inches deep , measuring from the top of the bulb.5 . Backfilling : Gently backfillthe holes with soil and firm it around the medulla oblongata .
Watering and Fertilizing
1 . lachrymation : Water thebulbs immediatelyafter planting and regularly throughout thegrowing season , specially during hot anddry periods . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to rot.2 . Fertilizing : Fertilize dahlias every 2 - 3 workweek with abalanced fertilizer . Use a fertilizer with ahigh phosphorus contentto promote flowering .
Staking and Support
Dahlias have tall , slender stems thatrequire stakingto foreclose them from toppling over . Insert stakes into the ground near the base of the plants andloosely tiethe stems to the wager as they grow .
Pinching and Deadheading
1 . Pinching : Pinch backthe hint of the plant when they are 6 - 8inches talltoencourage bushy growthand more flowers.2 . Deadheading : Remove expend flowersto advance new blooms and forbid source production .
Overwintering Dahlias
Incolder climate , dahlias must be overwintered to protect them from freezing temperatures.1 . Lifting Bulbs : Dig up the bulb after the first frost , cautiously removingany excess soil.2 . Storing bulb : stash away the incandescent lamp in a cool , dry placewith temperature between 40 - 50 ° F .
Troubleshooting
1 . Yellowing Leaves : yellow leavescan indicatenutrient deficiency , overwatering , or disease.2 . Powdery Mildew : Powdery mildewis afungal diseasethat appears as a white powdery coat on leaves . plow with a fungicide.3 . Aphids : Aphids are little green insects thatsuck sapfrom plants . ascendance aphids withinsecticidal soapor neem oil .
Questions You May Have
Q : When is the best clock time to engraft dahlia bulbs?A : bounce after the last frost or fall in warmer climates . Q : How deep should I plant dahlia bulbs?A : 4 - 6inches deep , measured from the top of the bulb . Q : How often should I irrigate Dahlia pinnata plants?A : Regularly , specially during hot anddry periods . Avoid overwatering . Q : Do I need to jeopardize Dahlia pinnata plants?A : Yes , to prevent thetall stemsfrom toppling over . Q : How can I further more flowers on my dahlias?A : Pinch backthe tips of the plants when they are young and deadhead spent flowers . Q : How do I overwinter dahlia bulbs?A : Dig up the bulbs after the first frost and store them in a coolheaded , ironic placewith temperatures between 40 - 50 ° F .
