Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Dahlias are the absolute permanent bloomers in the summer garden. Their flowering begins in June and ends in November with the first frosts. By preferring the dahlias, however, there is also the possibility of extending the flowering period.

In a nutshell

  • Prefer dahlias and extend flowering by a few weeks
  • Preculture on windowsill, greenhouse or cold frame
  • best time mid-February to early March
  • no special demands on the substrate

Why prefer dahlias?

Dahlias are not frost hardy, so they can only be planted outdoors after the last frosts. In general, this should only be done after the Ice Saints in mid-May. However, there is also the possibility of promoting these popular summer bloomers. This not only extends the flowering period, with the first flowers already adorning the garden in late May or early June, but preferring dahlias also has other advantages:

  • big growth lead
  • a more luxuriant flowering
  • Plants are more robust with stronger shoots
  • more compact root growth present
  • faster growth outdoors
  • low susceptibility to snail infestation
  • since older shoots have a bitter taste
  • snails don't like this one

Sometimes it can also be the case that the tubers sprout long before the start of the gardening season if the temperatures are too high in the winter quarters. Action should be taken quickly here so that the shoots do not rot and fungal infections occur due to excessive humidity. The tubers can no longer be stored, but must be planted in pots immediately.

dahlia bulbs

Notice: Young shoots can also be used to propagate dahlias by cuttings.

The right time

You can start growing dahlias as early as mid-February. If there is a cold frame in the garden, the potted tubers can then move there in March. Here the dahlias are protected from frost by a glass cover and the cold frame is heated at the same time. The cover can then be opened during the day in fine weather on clear days. In the evening it has to be closed again. There are two options for growing in a cold frame:

  • either put tubers in pots
  • let them flush into the ground or
  • Plant tubers directly in the cold frame
  • Soil must be loose and not too cold

No special substrate

When preferred, the dahlias do not make any special demands on the soil. It doesn't necessarily have to be very rich in nutrients, however

  • water permeable
  • not prone to waterlogging and
  • not be completely dried out

If the soil is crumbly and completely dry, it is necessary to prepare it before planting, otherwise it will not be able to absorb moisture. Here is a quick guide to treating the dry soil:

  • Fill the container with soil
  • add some water
  • mix everything well
  • cover the container
  • leave for a day or two
  • mix it up from time to time
  • add more water if necessary

Well suited as a plant substrate for cultivation are:

  • potting soil
  • potting soil or
  • Mixture of potting soil and sand in equal parts

Notice: With small tubers, the budding is usually weak. In order to increase shoot formation, the main shoot should be removed early on in tubers with at least three or four shoots.

Instructions: Prefer dahlias

The tubers are placed in pots. These don't have to be particularly large. However, they should be at least 10 to 20 cm high so that the tubers have enough space. The rule of thumb is: the bigger the tuber, the bigger the pot. There must be drainage holes in the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging. Potting is pretty easy:

  • Place potsherd on drain hole
  • Insert a drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay
  • Fill two-thirds of the pot with soil
  • Insert tuber
  • Shoot tips must point upwards
  • Fill in two to three centimeters of soil
  • The root collar should be just below the surface of the soil
  • Tap the pot lightly on the table
  • thereby filling the cavities in the pot
  • Don't press down on the soil
  • also tuber do not press down deeply
  • Good root growth possible in loose soil substrate

If the dahlias should later find their place on the balcony or terrace, the tubers can be placed in the appropriate plant pots or buckets to propel them forward. The diameter should then be at least half the size of the growth height of the corresponding dahlia. The plant pot can then move outside after the last frosts in May.

Notice: Large tubers can be divided. Each piece must then have at least one eye.

choose location

The pots must not be too cold, as this will delay budding. Plants can dry out in a warm place because the roots are not yet able to properly absorb water. When setting up the pots, the following should therefore be observed, then the tubers will sprout after a few days:

  • bright, sunny place
  • ideal window sill, conservatory, greenhouse, bright stairwell
  • Windows should face east or west
  • Temperatures between 12 and 18 °C are ideal
  • not below 5 °C

When the first shoot tips can be seen, the pots can be moved outside for a few hours when the weather is nice, but then they have to be brought back inside.

As soon as the shoots on the bulb are large enough, they can be planted outdoors.

care properly

Of course, the dahlias in pre-culture also need appropriate care so that they sprout healthy. Must be noted:

  • do not water after potting
  • air regularly
  • if the air is still, fungal infestation on tubers is possible
  • water only when shoot tips are visible
  • then sparing watering
  • no waterlogging
  • Do not fertilize until mid-May when planting out

Notice: Plant outdoors in mid-May in full sun with humus-rich, loose, well-drained soil. The entire pot ball is planted.

frequently asked Questions

What is to be understood by advancing or advancing?

This is a preculture. This takes place before the actual planting in the final location in the garden. This method is mainly used for frost-sensitive plants such as vegetable plants and non-hardy types of flowers. These are driven forward in pots in the house or cold frame for a short period of time. Planting outdoors usually takes place after the ice saints in mid-May.

How long do dahlias take to sprout?

The sprouting depends entirely on the prevailing temperatures. When planted outdoors in May, the dahlias sprout within four to six weeks. In contrast, in preculture in the house, the first shoots are already visible after a few days.

Is it advisable to dip the tubers in water before planting?

There are opinions here that if the tubers are dipped in water for a few hours to half a day before planting, whether outdoors or in pre-culture, budding will be faster. However, opinions differ here, it is not really proven. It can be done, but it doesn't have to be. It is important that the tubers are not then poured. Otherwise they can rot quickly.

Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!

Category:

Garden plants