DAHLIAS

Flamboyant dahlias are quick-growing, heat-loving plants that produce abundant flowers on sturdy stems. There are hundreds of varieties with flowers in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes. The beauty of the dahlia flower inspired great symbolic meaning during the Victorian era and continues to be used today to express personal sentiments. Revered for its beauty, the stunning dahlia flower comes in diverse shapes, sizes and colors. The dahlia blooms for extended periods of time, surpassing most other garden flowers, and many gardening enthusiasts refer to it as the "Queen of the Autumn Garden." Dahlias, like many of varieties of flower, were imbued with different meanings. Dahlia blossoms represent contradictory virtues. The flower's negative connotations of betrayal, instability and dishonesty conflict greatly with Victorian-era ones of dignity, elegance and forever thine, which are still relevant meanings of today.  

Special Features

 Dahlia flowers win gardener’s heart with its ease of growth and massive blooms. This is one of the most popular flowering plant of summer. Good for cut flowers ... Symbolizing hope for an everlasting union between two people, dahlia flowers are presented to couples at engagement parties and weddings.

Site Selection

Select a site with full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Tall and large-flowered varieties should be sheltered from strong winds. Dahlias adapt well to growing in containers.

Planting Instructions

Plant dahlia tubers in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole about three times as deep as the diameter of the tuber, usually between 3 and 8 inches. Set the tuber horizontally in the hole with the buds facing up, cover it with soil, and press firmly. Space tubers 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety, and water thoroughly. Stake tall varieties at planting time, being careful not to damage tubers when installing stakes.

Care

Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around dahlias to retain moisture and control weeds. To reduce the height of tall-growing varieties, pinch back shoots when the plant is about 1 foot tall. Dahlias prefer consistently moist soil, so water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week, and water container-grown plants frequently to keep soil moist but not saturated. Remove flowers as they fade. In autumn, after frost kills the foliage, cut plants back to the a few inches in height. Wait a few weeks so tubers can cure, then carefully lift clumps, brush off any clinging soil, and put them in a plastic-lined box filled with perlite or peat moss, spacing them so that none are touching. Store boxes off the floor in a dry area at 45 to 55 degrees F. Replant in the spring, dividing large clumps into sections each containing one or more buds, which appear as small bumps.

Red Dahlia