Dahlias come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and flower shapes. The color palette ranges from white to yellow, orange to black and dark red, among other things. The flowers appear monochromatic, multicolored, flamed or marbled. They should not be missing in any garden. Dahlias spoil you with their magnificent flowers all summer long. They are very popular cut flowers and give every summer bouquet that certain something. Here are a few tips to ensure that they produce magnificent and healthy flowers again and again every year.

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Dahlias bloom in late summer

The late summer flower enchants with its decorative blossoms from July until the first frost. However, this requires some care and various prerequisites. That's how the beautiful Mexican woman loves you

  • sunny and sheltered place in the garden or on the terrace
  • well-drained and nutrient-rich soil

Heavy, loamy soils and sandy soils are not suitable. Occurring waterlogging is not tolerated by the tubers and it can then easily root rot come.

tip: Dahlias not only make great cut flowers, but the flowers are also edible. They can be used to make liqueurs. To do this, the flowers are washed and mixed with kirsch, brandy or other alcohol. The liqueur has to steep for a long time so that the aroma can develop properly.

Dahlia 'Camano Concord'

flowering time

Correct planting time crucial for dahlia flowering

Normally, the rule of thumb applies here: no planting before the ice saints in mid-May. However, if the weather is suitable, the tubers can be planted as early as the end of April/beginning of May. Although late frosts can endanger the sprouting, but not the tuber. The frost doesn't go so deep into the ground anymore. The tubers must be planted by the end of May at the latest.

The planting itself is not very complex. Previously, older tubers should be divided. In this way, the plants can sprout more vigorously and there is better flowering. It is important that each piece of tuber has eyes on the root neck. How to plant dahlias:

  • dig a sufficiently large planting hole, compost or horn shavings
    incorporate
  • Insert the tuber 5 cm deep (not deeper, otherwise it will not sprout well)
  • Then cover the tuber with a hand's breadth of soil
  • to protect against late frosts, cover them with an upside-down flowerpot
  • Planting distance for tall varieties 80 cm and small varieties 40 - 60 cm

tip: Soak the tuber in water overnight before planting for better sprouting.

affect flowering time

Preculture for earlier sprouting

There is also the option of growing dahlia bulbs in pots on the windowsill, in the cold frame or in the greenhouse as early as March / April. In this way, the flowering period can be extended. The procedure is as follows:

  • Soak tubers in water overnight
  • Fill the pots with potting soil and place a shard over the drainage hole
  • Plant the tuber 10 cm deep
  • Cover the upper part of the tuber with 3 cm of soil and water it
  • Place pots in a bright, slightly sunny and warm place
  • water regularly after sprouting, but not too much
  • Avoid waterlogging, otherwise the tuber will begin to rot
  • Plant early dahlias in the garden from May
  • Work plenty of compost/horn shavings or manure into the planting hole

tip: If the pots are too warm and too dark, long shoots will form. These can be shortened, which encourages bushy growth and rich flowering.

Cut regularly

To ensure that the flowers of the "exotic" are plentiful and enchant the garden over a long period of time, there are a few things to consider in terms of care. If these tips are followed, beautiful flower stalks can be cut before the first frost.
Please note the following:

  • to water regularly in the morning and evening during the flowering period
  • but avoid waterlogging
  • from September water less to encourage the tuber to store water, important for overwintering
  • Provide support by attaching plant stakes to protect the flowers from wind and weather
  • Cut frequently, mainly in July, for a long flowering period
  • Regularly cut off wilted flowers or break them out with your thumb and forefinger
  • Fertilize in June/July, carefully work in mature compost or horn shavings with a digging fork in the root area and water
  • Cut back slightly after the first main bloom

Dahlias do not flower

There can be various reasons for a missing dahlia bloom. Either no flowers appear at all, or the flower buds do not open but turn brown and begin to rot. The following causes can exist:

  • unfavorable, too shady location
  • missing nutrients
  • Floor too wet or dry
  • too big tubers

But it doesn't have to get that far if you deal with the requirements and care of this impressive flowering plant in detail before planting. You should note the following:

  • sunny location
  • some varieties also tolerate partial shade, but then fewer flowers
  • Loosen the soil thoroughly before planting, incorporate compost or horn shavings
  • loosen loamy soils with sand
  • no waterlogging, but regular watering, soil must not dry out
  • only use of organic fertilizer for nutrient supply
  • ideal slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5
  • large tubers flower less, and when planted densely, they withdraw nutrients from each other
  • therefore divide large tubers before planting
  • frost-free and dark overwintering of the tubers at 5-10 °C

tip: Artificial fertilizer contains too much nitrogen. This stimulates the plants to produce many stems and leaves, but no flowers.

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Garden plants