Dahlia from seeds, planting and care in the open field

Dahlias are loved by gardeners for their vibrant beauty. Annual dahlias are easy to care for and hassle-free winter storage. Flowers pleasing to the eye until the very frost are a real find for garden design.

Annual dahlias - description

Bright inflorescences with a variety of petals will become a real decoration of the garden. A variety of varieties allows you to choose the desired color, height, shape, density of the bush - depending on the wishes of the gardener. And at the same time, dahlias are quite unpretentious.

Many summer residents choose annual varieties for the following reasons:

• one-year-olds do not require additional worries to ensure the wintering of tubers;
• suitable for different climatic conditions (perennial tubers in cold climates may not tolerate sharp frosts);
• bloom colorfully from mid-summer (some perennials do not bloom in the first year);
• ease of care.

Rules for growing annual dahlias

The seeds can be planted in the ground. But this should be done only with the confidence that the frost has passed - i.e. not earlier than the end of May. Therefore, dahlias will begin to bloom later. Experienced gardeners advise the seedling method: then the seeds can be sown from the beginning of March.

Site preparation

The plot for dahlia seeds is prepared in advance. These are warm and light-loving flowers, therefore, a sunny area protected from the wind with good drainage is chosen. The site must be dug up, humus is added, the soil is loosened. If the soil is dense, sand can be added.

Seed selection

When choosing a variety for planting, you should consider how it will fit into the garden design, as well as the time of planting, flowering, etc. The required characteristics are indicated on the seed bag.

INTERESTING: The flowering time is related to the height of the dahlia. Tall varieties bloom later.

It is essential to select quality seeds. To improve the quality of future seedlings, you can soak the seeds in a growth stimulator for 10-12 hours (for example, aloe juice diluted with water 1: 2).

Planting seeds

For planting, it is necessary to prepare containers and suitable soil.

Used containers are thoroughly washed and disinfected. If there are no drainage holes or there are few of them, new ones are added for the outflow of water.

For seedlings, a loose mixture of peat and sand with the addition of perlite is optimal to improve the air-water balance. When using soil from the garden, disinfection with a solution of potassium permanganate is necessary. We fill the planting containers with prepared soil.

Seeds are poured onto moistened soil, sprinkled with soil from above, and covered with foil or glass. Seed containers should be placed in a warm (about 270C) place in the sun.

Sprouts appear on about the third day. After germination of a large number of seeds, the protective cover is removed. With moderate watering, the sprouts grow until the first leaves appear. For further development, future dahlias must be dived into separate pots.

Seedling picking and care

The pick is carried out to provide space for the development of the root system and the plant itself. It is carried out 14-15 days after the emergence of sprouts.

Sod land is added to the soil for seedlings, about 50%. So, the sprouts are being prepared for transplantation.

Spacious pots are filled with a mixture into which the sprouts are planted. After planting, experienced flower growers advise watering the sprouts with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

After two weeks, it is useful to feed the seedlings with a complex mineral fertilizer of low concentration (reduce by about half).

With moderate watering and sufficient sunlight and heat, seedlings develop quickly. For proper development, after the appearance of the fourth pair of leaves, pinching is carried out.

Young seedlings need gradual preparation for transplanting into open ground. To do this, it is taken out into the open air, gradually lengthening the hardening time. If all the rules are followed, healthy seedlings are obtained, ready for transplantation.

Rules for growing annual dahlias in the open field

The transplant is carried out in late spring - early summer, when there is no threat of frost, and the soil has already warmed up.

When preparing planting holes, it is necessary to take into account the size of future bushes.

ADVICE: Recommended distance between holes for low-growing species is 30 cm, for medium-sized species - 50 cm, for tall species - 70 cm.

Wood ash can be added to the prepared grooves. Moisten the soil before transplanting.

In order not to injure the roots, the seedlings are removed from the pots and planted together with an earthen lump. In cold climates, plants are covered with a protective foil for several days for successful rooting. In bright sun, plants, on the contrary, shade so as not to damage the young greenery.

For the successful growth of seedlings, you need to provide sunlight, warmth and moderate watering. For feeding, complex mineral fertilizers are used, avoiding excess nitrogen. Top dressing is carried out 10-14 days after transplanting, as well as when buds are formed.

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Varieties of annual dahlias

Dahlias are distinguished by a variety of varieties. The rules for caring for them are the same, so the choice depends only on the preference of the gardener.

Bambino

Low-growing variety. The height of the bush is 25 cm, the diameter of the flower is up to 8 cm. It is distinguished by double inflorescences. It blooms from mid-summer until the first frost. Looks great in pots, handy for creating borders.

Dandy

By characteristics it is similar to "Bambino" - undersized, terry. Differs in a graceful "collar" of short petals around the center of the inflorescence.

Decorative

Height - up to 120 cm, large inflorescences, therefore very effective in bouquets. This is a mixture of seeds, that is, flowers can be of a variety of tones. Terry petals are folded into a round inflorescence.

Opera

A type of low-growing dahlia intended for growing in pots, decorating flower beds, etc. Height no more than 30 cm. Terry petals create inflorescences of different colors with a yellow center.

Minion

They are distinguished by elegant simplicity. Due to their high decorative properties, they are widely used in garden design. The height of the bush is up to 40 cm.Blooms from mid-summer until frost.

Figaro

This undersized variety combines a low stem (up to 35 cm) and large voluminous flowers - up to 10 cm in diameter. Looks great in flower beds and pots.

Funny boys

A common variety. The seeds are a mixture, so dahlias differ in a variety of stem heights (30-70 cm), color and size (up to 10 cm) of flat inflorescences. Flowers are similar to each other with a yellow center and a simple inflorescence structure. It blooms magnificently from mid-summer until frost.

Collar

Like the previous variety, it is a mixture. Flowers are of different colors, but the structure of the inflorescences and the length of the stems are the same. The height of the bush is up to 60 cm. The inflorescence is two-layered - a combination of large sharp petals and small short ones that look like a "collar". Blooms until October. Very good in bouquets.

Cactus

Tall variety - up to 100 cm. Differs in petals-needles rolled into narrow tubes, folded into lush multi-colored inflorescences - "cacti". They look great both in the landscape and in the bouquet. They begin to bloom no earlier than the 16th week after sowing, pleasing to the eye until frost.

Pomponnaya

Lush terry inflorescences really resemble neat pom-pom balls. They differ in brightness and variety of colors. The height of the bush is up to 90 cm. Very effective in group plantings.

How to harvest annual dahlia seeds

The highest quality inflorescences are selected to collect seeds. After wilting, they are not cut off, but left on the stem.

ADVICE: Seeds ripen within one to one and a half months. In order to have time to get quality seeds, inflorescences should be selected from the beginning of flowering.

Dry and warm weather is required to harvest dried seed pods. After keeping them for several days at room temperature, you can exfoliate dried petals. The seed box contains up to 10-15 dark large seeds. Seeds are dried in a cool dry place before storage. Finished seeds are packaged in paper bags until spring.

INTERESTING: The coloration of dahlias grown from seeds may differ from that of the parent plant.

Reviews

Diana Ufimskaya

“Previously, the dahlia was called the queen of flowers. There were no bouquets without them, teachers were always given gifts in the fall. Most of all I like pink ones with a red center. "

Nika Davletova

“When collecting seeds, I made a mistake - I cut the baskets while still damp. Now the inflorescences have dried up, but the seeds to multiply, I never dreamed of. But I have already bought a lot of annuals for the next season. I'm just in love with dahlias: a little trouble, but such a beauty! "

Hello! Dahlias - planting and care in the open field, growing from seeds, photo varieties with a description and video tips in our material. Dahlias (lat.Dahlia) are from the aster family. These are some of the most beautiful and long-flowering garden flowers, represented by the widest palette of colors and variety of shapes.

They bloom from July until frost. In addition to the variety of forms, dahlias are also distinguished by a variety of colors, and there is even a black dahlia, or rather, red-black, which appeared due to the accumulation of a large amount of anthocyanin pigments in the plant.

ARTICLE IN THE TOPIC: Forcing bulb flowers at home.

The shapes, colors and varieties of dahlia are so diverse that they can be used to decorate not only flower beds, but also border lines, as well as as salt, even potted, plants. Dahlias are dazzlingly beautiful, but at the same time they are completely unpretentious.

The main thing that is required for their successful growth and lush flowering is to choose the right planting site, provide the necessary soil composition, timely watering and feeding.

You need to buy seedlings not earlier than mid-spring, and the tubers should be fleshy and strong, with already noticeable, but not tall sprouts. It is better not to take soft or dry tuber.

Dahlias growing from seeds

Growing dahlias involves laborious digging and responsible storage of tubers, but if you are afraid of these chores, you can grow annual dahlias from seeds.Annual dahlias are as beautiful and unassuming in culture as perennials, and their choice is wide enough:

• Coltness hybrids up to 50 cm high with abundant non-double flowers of various colors;
• bronze-leaved Redskin; terry small Rigoletto;
• early Figaro.

You can buy seeds and sow them in open ground in mid-May, but then they will bloom only by mid-August. If you want to achieve an earlier flowering, you will have to germinate the seeds.

Germinating dahlia seeds

To do this, in early April, you will need to sow dahlia seeds in greenhouses or plastic containers, using calcined sand as soil: seeds are poured onto a layer of sand, which are again sprinkled with sand on top, moistened well and covered with transparent polyethylene.

You need to germinate the seeds for about ten days at a temperature of 25-27 ° C, then the sprouts need to be dived into separate pots. The soil mixture must be moisture-absorbing and loose, you can buy it, or you can prepare it: one part of peat and sand and two parts of leafy soil.

Three days before picking, the soil must be treated with a hot solution of potassium permanganate (70 °) of a dark pink color. After picking, the seedlings are watered as the soil dries up. In mid-May, it can be planted in the ground.

Dahlias planting in open ground

You need to start preparing by choosing a landing site. The dahlia flower hates drafts, but requires a well-ventilated and well-lit place, so dahlias need to be planted in a sunny area, protected from the wind. The soil on the site must be well-drained, permeable and nutritious.

Dahlias can grow in soil with a lack or excess of acidity, but a slightly acidic or neutral environment will be optimal for them. If the soil on the site is too acidic (pH 5-4), add slaked lime to it, but if the pH is more than 8.5, you can "acidify" the soil with peat.

In autumn, when digging, enrich the area allocated for dahlias with humus and compost (3-5 kg ​​per 1 m3). In the spring, before planting, sprinkle mature compost (not deciduous) and some wood ash on the site again and rake it.

To save dahlias from diseases and prevent them from degenerating, it is advisable to change the planting site every year, giving the soil a rest from dahlias for at least three years. Do not plant dahlias where asters or plants that are susceptible to fungal diseases grew before them.

In April, the roots of dahlia (tubers) should be prepared for planting: clean them of dry roots, remove damaged areas by treating all sections with brilliant green.

Then the tubers are planted in a container with nutritious soil or peat so that the dahlia tubers protrude 2-3 cm above the surface, and they are kept for two weeks at a temperature of at least 18 ° C with good lighting.

How to cut dahlia tubers

As soon as the buds appear, the tubers are cut into pieces so that each has a bud with a root collar.

Sometimes one tuber gives five such parts. The tubers, divided into parts, need to be germinated for some time in the box, and then, removing the side shoots that have reached a height of 10 cm, plant them in the soil. Cut shoots can be used as cuttings: plant in soil, place in a dark place and water well.

The established cuttings are planted in a permanent place. Tubers are divided and cuttings are made to increase the amount of planting material and prevent plant degeneration. If you do not have such a need, you can not divide the tubers.

Dahlias planting and care

You can plant dahlias in the ground when the ground warms up, usually in late May or early July. The holes for the dahlias should be three times larger than the root lump (40x40x40) so that the dahlia roots sink into them completely and there is still 5-7 cm left.

Lay a layer of rotted compost or manure at the bottom of the hole, then sprinkle the manure with earth so as not to burn the roots of the dahlia, lay the sprouted tuber and dig in so that a few centimeters of the stem are underground.

If you have chosen a variety of tall dahlias, install and secure immediately a support for the future stem.

After planting, water the seedlings abundantly with cold water, and mulch the soil around them with a five-centimeter layer of fine tree bark or sawdust, having previously mixed them with peat or compost.

Dahlias outdoor care

Mulching a plot with dahlias, in addition to protecting plants from slugs, will give you the opportunity to abandon such tedious work as weeding and loosening the soil, and also prevent the soil from drying out quickly on hot days.

Dahlias should be watered abundantly 1-2 times a week (unless it rains), but do not let moisture stagnate in the roots: dahlia tubers are prone to decay. In extreme heat, hilling after watering helps to retain moisture. Before the next watering, the soil should be shaken off from the stems, the plants should be watered, and then the soil should be piled up again.

Fertilizing dahlias. In the process of growth, dahlias need to be fed every two weeks, alternating mineral fertilizers with organic ones: ammonium nitrate (15 g per 1 m3), tincture of mullein 1:10 or bird droppings 1:20.

With the appearance of the first buds, they begin to apply superphosphate and potash fertilizers at the rate of 30 g per bucket of water (enough for 8 bushes).

Supports for dahlias. Since dahlias have a hollow stem and strong wind or rain can break them, you need to tie the dahlia to a peg. If the stem does break, try putting a tire on it: attach a strong branch to the stem, secure it and support the stem so that it does not bent.

Timely and careful caring for dahlias can save even a broken shoot, which will reward you with a beautiful bloom for your care.

Pruning dahlias. If you are not interested in the quantity, but in the quality of the inflorescences, do not leave more than three shoots in the bush, otherwise the inflorescences will be smaller in size and not so decorative. You need to leave 1-2 buds on each peduncle.

Remove faded buds so that they do not delay the formation and growth of new ones. Throughout the season, try to remove the lower side shoots from tall varieties of dahlias, these shoots can then be used as cuttings.

In undersized (pompom, cactus) and single dahlia bushes, side shoots can not be removed

Cleaning and storage of dahlia tubers

After the first frost, the dahlia tubers need to be dug up, the remaining foliage and pagons should be cut off, leaving only five to ten centimeters of the stem. Some gardeners cut the stems and leaves a few days before digging up the tubers, but if moisture gets on the cut part, the base of the stem may rot, so after cutting off the stems, immediately cover the dahlias with aluminum foil.

The tuber neck is particularly fragile, so start digging up the tubers in the morning, in dry weather, so that they have time to air dry and become less "brittle". In addition, soil residues are easier to remove from dried tubers.

Dig in the plant on four sides at a distance of about 30 cm from the stem to cut the long, conductive roots, move the pitchfork under the earthen ball and push it out of the ground. Thoroughly scrape dirt off the tubers and turn them over to dry.

When you have dug up all the tubers, rinse them out of the soil with a garden hose that contains disease-carrying microorganisms. Do not be late in harvesting tubers, because after the first frost, warming may occur, and the buds sleeping in the tubers may wake up and begin to sprout, which is detrimental to plants at such a time.

How to store dahlias in winter

Proper storage of dahlias in winter is 90% of success in growing them. Tubers left for winter storage should not dry out too much, because in spring they give rise to weak shoots. Insufficient drying leads to the fact that the roots rot during storage.

If any mechanical damage is found on the tubers, they need to be pruned, and then sprinkled with charcoal. Root collars, so that they do not rot during storage, are powdered with ash or chalk.

It is best to store dahlia tubers at a temperature of 3-5 ° C with an air humidity of 60-70% in a well-ventilated area. A dry basement is suitable for this, but vegetables stored nearby can create increased moisture, increasing the risk of rot and fungal diseases in tubers.

You can put the tubers in a box on a layer of dry peat and sprinkle it with peat, you can use coniferous sawdust or sand instead of peat. If the tubers suddenly begin to dry out or wither, the insulating material is slightly moistened. If there is no ventilation in the basement, you will have to turn on the fan for half an hour three times a week.

If you don't have a basement or cellar and have to store dahlia tubers in your apartment, place the tubers in the coolest place (next to the balcony). You can put the tubers in plastic bags with insulating material (sawdust, sand, dry peat) and tie tightly.

Some growers, wrapping each tuber in newspaper, put them in a plastic bag, which they put in a cardboard box and put in a cool place, for example, on a glazed loggia. Only in this case, you will have to monitor the temperature outside all the time so that a sharp cold snap or frost does not destroy your planting material.

Storage of dahlias in paraffin

Warm and humid rooms are least suitable for storing dahlia tubers, but you can store them even in such unsuitable conditions if you cover the tubers with paraffin. Melt the paraffin in a water bath, immerse the tuber in it for a second, let the film harden for a few seconds, and again lower the tuber in liquid paraffin.

After the waxing procedure, place the tubers together with dry peat, sand or sawdust in a plastic bag and tie it tightly. Before planting, these tubers will need to be rubbed lightly to crack the film.

During the winter, do not forget to inspect the tubers in order to be able to eliminate the possible appearance of rot in time. The affected areas should be cleaned to healthy tissue and treated with hardwood charcoal powder or brilliant green.

Dahlias diseases and pests

Young juicy dahlia stems attract slugs, and the buds attract earwigs, so when the first signs of pest aggression appear, treat the bushes in the evening with broths of wormwood or celandine about once a week.

In hot weather, spray dahlias with systemic insecticides against thrips, aphids, ticks and caterpillars. Most of all pests of dahlias are fond of aphids. Try a tried-and-true old-fashioned way of dealing with it: spraying plants with soapy water.

Dahlias photo

Dahlias are classified according to the shape and structure of inflorescences, in modern culture there are 12 main classes of dahlias, but as new varieties appear, new classes appear. We present you the most popular varieties of dahlias:

Simple dahlias

Simple dahlias, having one row of flowers, reaching a diameter of 10 cm, in height from 45 cm to 60 cm. Varieties of simple dahlias include Yellow hammer yellow, pink Princess marie jose, reddish orange Orangeade.

Dahlias anemone

They have from one or more rows of marginal flowers, in the middle are elongated tubular flowers. Inflorescences reach a diameter of 10 cm, a height of 60 cm to 90 cm.The most popular varieties are Vera Higgins bronze color, yellow-purple Lucy, red Comet.

Collar dahlias

Collar dahlias of the same size, but higher - from 75 cm to 120 cm. They have one marginal outer row of flowers, on top of it there is a row of shorter and twisted flowers of a different color, looking like a collar: Chimborazo (red with cream), La Gioconda (scarlet with gold), Claire de luna (yellow with cream).

Peony dahlias

Peony dahlias are slightly larger - from 12 cm to 15 cm, flat marginal flowers from two or more, in the center - tubular flowers. In height, they reach the same dimensions as collar. Popular Fascination lilac and crimson red dahlia Symphonia.

Decorative dahlias

These include the purple giant Jocondo, large yellow Thames valley, miniature orange David Howard... All varieties have terry inflorescences from 8 to 25 cm in diameter, height - up to 60 cm.

Spherical dahlias

Spherical dahlias are terry inflorescences of a round, sometimes slightly flattened shape, 8 to 15 cm wide and 90 to 120 cm high: red Doreen Hayes, yellow Esmonde and red-peach Crichton honey.

Pompon dahlias

Ball-shaped terry inflorescences from 5 centimeters or more in diameter. The marginal flowers are curled up, with a blunt or rounded end. Reach in height from 90 to 120 cm: pink Noreen, Hallmark lavender and lavender Willo's Violet.

Dahlias cactus

Cactus dahlias have double inflorescences with a diameter of 8 to 25 cm and more, reach a height of 90-150 cm.The marginal flowers are rolled, narrow and sharp: giant pink Danny, miniature yellow Pirouette, large red Visit, fine red Doris Day.

Semi-cactus dahlias

Terry inflorescences 8-25 cm in diameter, 90-150 cm high, marginal flowers are rolled from the middle of the length to the ends: large yellow Nantenan, miniature yellow Yellow Moodmedium orange Autumn fire and white small White swallow.

Nymphaean dahlias

Similar to water lilies, terry, beautiful regular shape, 7-20 cm in diameter, 70-130 cm in height: purple Brushstrokes, pale pink Gerry Hawk, snow-white Genette.

Mixed dahlias

Mixed species include dahlia species that are not similar to any of the other varieties listed.

Where to buy dahlia tubers

The Scientific and Production Association "Sady Rossii" has been introducing the latest achievements in the selection of vegetable, fruit, berry and ornamental crops into the wide practice of amateur gardening for 30 years. In the work of the association, the most modern technologies are used, a unique laboratory for microclonal reproduction of plants has been created.

The main task of NPO Sady Rossii is to provide gardeners with high-quality planting material for popular varieties of various garden plants and novelties of world selection. Delivery of planting material (seeds, bulbs, seedlings) is carried out by Russian post.

We are waiting for you for shopping at the NPO Sady Rossii.

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Dahlias are quite beautiful and unpretentious flowers, they bloom for a long time, almost until the first frost, and what is important, they do not require special care. One thing still exists: dahlia tubers need to be dug up for the winter, and stored until spring, this moment quite often causes some embarrassment among gardeners. But there is a way out, if you do not want to mess around with digging tubers every year, you can grow dahlias as an annual crop - from seeds. In this way, many varieties multiply, but as a rule, not high varieties and species.

Dahlia seeds

Choosing a variety for sowing
You can learn more about the types and varieties of dahlias in the articles: Dahlias and The best varieties of dahlias, Choosing and buying a variety of dahlias.
Nowadays, you can see an unimaginable variety of different dahlia seeds, which one should you choose?
When choosing, you should pay attention to the height of the plants, this information is usually written on a pack of seeds. It is good to grow low-growing varieties from seeds, and it is best to opt for a varietal mixture, so you get plants of the same height but different colors. The advantage of low-growing varieties is that they bloom earlier than tall ones, and their flowering will begin no earlier than 60 days and no later than 90 days after sowing.

The most popular varietal mixes:
Harlehquen mix, Dendy, Piccolo, Bishop of Llandaf'f, Bishop's Children, Rigoletto mix, Figaro mix, Diablo Diablo mix, Stargaser mixed, Mignon White Shades

Dahlia seedlings - growing rules
It is best to grow dahlias from seeds - through growing seedlings, because if you decide to sow dahlias directly into open ground, and this can be done not earlier than the last decade of May, then they will bloom with you only at the end of August.

First shoots

Sowing and germinating dahlias
The seedlings of these flowers must be grown like the seedlings of all annuals. If you want to grow dahlias as an annual crop, then sowing should be done in early April. If you really like the variety, and you are not averse to growing it further, sow the seeds in early March, and by the end of the flowering season, you will get small but rather strong tubers suitable for digging and planting next season. Dahlia seeds, like seeds of other crops, should be sown in containers or seedling boxes, which, after sowing, can be covered with transparent film to create a mini greenhouse.

Dahlias germinate well in a mixture of peat and sand with perlite. Sowing takes place as follows: seeds should be poured onto wet sand in one layer, and covered with a thin layer of substrate. Next, the boxes or containers are covered with a transparent film and placed in a well-lit place. Seedlings usually appear within a week.
In order for the seeds to germinate, a temperature of 25 to 27 ° C is required.

Picking and leaving
After the emergence of seedlings, the seedlings must be ventilated, in order to avoid a number of diseases caused by waterlogging in the future, watering should be done with a spray bottle so as not to erode the soil. Two weeks later, when two or three true leaves appear on the seedlings, they can be dived into separate planting pots or plastic cups.

Seedlings ready for picking

The dive soil must contain at least 50% of sod land, as well as sand and peat taken in equal quantities. The substrate should be loose, nutritious and absorb moisture well. Before planting, about a week before planting, the soil is poured into containers and brought into a warm room, and 2-3 days before planting it should be disinfected. For disinfection, containers with soil are watered with a solution of deep pink potassium permanganate heated to 70 ° C. you can also steam the soil before pouring it into the container. Plants are watered after picking, preferably by spraying, further watering is necessary as the earth dries up.

Preparing to disembark
If you did everything correctly, then by mid-May your seedlings are ready for transplantation to a permanent place. But you shouldn't rush, wait until the last spring frosts pass. One to two weeks before planting, you should start hardening the seedlings. To do this, they begin to take it out into open sunlight, starting from 5 minutes a day, and every day this time is increased by 5-10 minutes. Also, in the room where the seedlings are located, they begin to gradually lower the air temperature, bringing it closer to the temperature regime on the street. If you dived seedlings into peat or paper pots, then you can plant directly in them. The rest of the containers are well watered 2-3 hours before planting, so that the entire earthy clod gets wet, this will facilitate the separation of the clod from the walls of the pot. Earlier varieties can bloom by the time of transplantation.

Choosing a landing site
Dahlia is a heat-loving plant, and therefore you need to choose a place for it that is sunny, well-warmed and protected from the cold wind. Do not plant these flowers in the shade under trees and shrubs, under such conditions they become pale, strongly elongated and bloom poorly. But such places are well suited for the formation of tubers on the roots. Most of all, the south side is suitable for planting dahlias.

Plant ready for transplanting into open ground

The soil
This flower has no special requirements for soil. But best of all, they grow and bloom on loose, fertile soils, neutral or slightly acidic. The soil is prepared for planting since autumn, all the necessary fertilizers are applied, loosened and divided into beds.

Landing in open ground
These plants are planted in the ground, in late May or early June, during this period there is no longer a threat of frost and the soil has warmed up enough. Dahlias generally tolerate transplanting well.When transplanting seedlings to a permanent place, add a little humus and ash to each hole. Try not to damage the root system, otherwise the plant will hurt. The distance between the plants should be at least 20 cm; after planting, it is better to mulch the soil around the seedlings.

Read about the further cultivation of dahlias in the article: Rules for planting and caring for dahlias.

How to grow dahlias The article will help you decide on the choice of variety:

The best varieties of dahlia

Due to the incomparable flowers of the most beautiful color and variety of forms, the genus of dahlia deserves a noticeable place in any garden. Few of the florists do not admire the splendor of this plant. The history of the appearance of the dahlia is connected with the legend that the dahlia appeared on the site of the last fire that died out with the onset of the ice age. And the first to sprout after the arrival of warmth, marking the victory of life over death, and warmth over cold.

Intensive selection work has led to the creation of a huge number of varieties - now their number is in the tens of thousands. This flower has two official names - Dahlia (most common in England) and Dahlia.

The Aztecs worshiped this plant, considering it the embodiment of the sun, the warriors depicted it on their shields and clothes, worn it as an amulet, believing that it gives them strength and courage. The natives used the tubers for food, and the hollow stems were used in the construction of the aqueduct. Dahlia is considered a symbol of all-conquering life, fortitude, freedom, inaccessibility, pride. The Japanese consider it a symbol of greatness. Dahlia is the national flower of Mexico.

Dahlias in the garden photo Application in landscape design

The dahlias we admire today were obtained by crossing the Mexican species Dahlia coccinnta and Dahlia variabilis. These are herbaceous perennial plants, the roots of which have powerful tuberous thickenings with a supply of nutrients. Stems are hollow, branching with pinnately separated, opposite, green-blue leaves on elongated petioles. Flowers are collected in inflorescences-baskets, blooming from summer to the first small frosts. Reed flowers are flat, spatulate, ribbon-shaped, rolled into a tube, different in color; tubular - yellow or orange.

Depending on the size of the inflorescence, dahlias are divided into giant (more than 25 cm in diameter), large (up to 25), medium (20-25), small (10-15) and miniature - up to 10 cm.

Growing dahlias from seeds

How to plant dahlias Dahlia seeds photo

Sowing directly into the ground

Considering that these plants are very thermophilic and do not tolerate even short-term light frosts, they can be sown into the ground only after the 20th of May, in order to be sure that the night frost will not destroy the seedlings.

However, there is a significant drawback: flowering in this case can be seen not earlier than August.

Therefore, many gardeners still arrange a mini-greenhouse or greenhouse for these flowers and sow already in the twenties of March. You can use old window frames or stretch the film over the arcs.

• The prepared bed should stand for a couple of days after digging for the earth to settle.
• The furrows are filled shallow, a distance of 60 cm.
• We sow less often in a row, the plants need space, dense shoots then break through or transplant, leaving a distance between the bushes of at least 60 cm.
• After sowing, the soil is leveled with a rake, filling the furrows.
• We water it well, you can sprinkle the bed with rotted humus in a thin layer to prevent the formation of an earthen crust.

Watering is often unnecessary, natural moisture should be enough for several days. But if the weather is hot, make sure that the ground does not dry out.

Growing dahlias for seedlings at home

Dahlias from seeds How to plant dahlias for seedlings photo

When planting dahlia seeds immediately on the garden bed, flowering will not occur until mid-August. When planting seeds at home for seedlings, an earlier start of flowering is achieved. Growing in this way usually does not cause any trouble for flower growers. The only point that should be taken into account is that dahlia seedlings cannot stand even weak frosts.

Seeds are convenient for growing undersized dahlias for decorating borders, ridges. Plants grown from seeds form a small tuber by autumn. Therefore, you can save your favorite specimen and plant it next season to admire it next summer. Dahlia seeds ripen well - they can be harvested and saved for planting next year.

Annual dahlias are sown for seedlings in April, but if you want to get perennial nodules, you need to sow in early March.

• Prepare containers for drainage. If using food packaging, be sure to make holes in the bottom.
• Fill containers with nutritious, organic-rich, loose soil. Remember, simple garden soil will have a bad effect on the health of the seedlings: during the care it tends to become very compacted. Therefore, it is better to buy a special mixture for flowers. Well, or not be lazy, adding rotted organic matter, peat and sand in equal proportions to the garden soil.
• Sowing is done shallow, 1-1.5 cm. It is advisable to sow less often, leaving a distance of 2-3 cm between seeds.
• When little dahlias release 2-3 true leaves, they are carefully dived into separate cups. You can use a fork, teaspoon, or any other tool you like. The main thing is not to damage the delicate roots and transfer them with a lump of earth.
• Then just water and provide sufficient lighting.
• When the weather is warm, we arrange for the seedlings to walk outside: we teach them to the wind and the sun. We gradually increase the time and by the end of the second week of hardening, our seedlings should be outside for a full day. These hardened seedlings will not hurt after planting and will quickly take over.

When to plant dahlias outdoors

At the end of May, when there is no longer a threat of night frosts, seedlings and tubers are planted in a flower bed... In some regions even earlier, it all depends on the weather. Dahlias bloom 60-90 days after they ascend, depending on the variety.

Planting seedlings of dahlias in the spring in the ground

Planting dahlia seedlings in the ground - a joyful stage for the gardener. Finally, the flowers will go to the flower bed. Here I would like to give some advice:

• Try to avoid strict rows, the landing will look unnatural, too prim. It is better to combine dahlias with garden balsam, rudbeckia bushes, buzulnik or asteriscus, imitating the natural chaos.
• Give more space for each bush, the distance to other plants is at least 60 cm.
• The wells are prepared in advance, they are made wider and deeper than the seedling cups, it is advisable to pour a little humus on the bottom.
• Seedlings are planted, carefully removing a clod of earth so that the earth does not crumble from the roots.
• Placed vertically in the hole, trying to maintain the existing level of the root collar.
• Sprinkle with earth, moisturize abundantly.
• It is advisable to mulch the root space with any available material: fresh grass, sawdust, pine needles.

Planting dahlias tubers in spring

Before planting, dahlia tubers should be prepared: wash from the ground and soak in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate for about half an hour. Then the tubers are laid out in boxes with sawdust treated with boiling water and germinated at room temperature until sprouts appear.

For more information on the preparation of tubers, see the video:

After the tubers have sprouted, they should be divided before planting to allow the bushes to develop fully in the new season.

How to divide tubers before planting, look at the video:

After the tubers are ready for planting, we begin the process itself.Prepare deep holes, approximately 30 cm deep and 40 cm in diameter. Pour humus on the bottom, mix with garden soil. Lay out one cut of tubers in each hole, cover with earth, the distance from the tuber to the surface of the earth is about 5-8 cm.

For details on planting dahlias with tubers in spring, we look at the video:

Reproduction of dahlias by dividing tubers

• Tubers are prepared for planting in advance. First, they are placed in wet sawdust or peat.
• After the sprouts appear, they are carefully divided with a sharp knife into several parts, so that each one has sprouts.
• Sections are dried and sprinkled with ash or activated carbon. After that, they are again placed in sawdust for rooting.
• As soon as the weather is warm without frost, they are planted in pre-prepared holes.
• Add 1/3 of a bucket of humus or compost to each hole.
• The rag is placed in the hole so that the sprouts are at the surface of the soil.
• They are well spilled and covered with compost.
• The root collar should be at ground level.

Propagation of dahlias by cuttings

Reproduction of dahlias by cuttings photo how to plant

• At the end of February, the roots of the dahlia are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and placed in boxes, half covered with a light nutritious substrate, moderately watered.
• Cuttings are taken in 3-4 weeks.
• They are treated with root roots and planted in individual cups.
• To speed up rooting, you can cover the plantings with plastic.
• Rooting takes place within two weeks.
• In early June, they are planted in groups or rows at a distance of 60 cm.

Growing conditions

How to plant dahlias tubers Planting dahlias in spring How to plant dahlias photos and videos

• Dahlias prefer sunny areas. They grow excellently in partial shade, but are much higher than plants planted in the sun.
• Deep shade is detrimental to development and flowering.
• They love sufficiently moist soil - for this, the land under the plantings should be mulched with semi-rotted sawdust or mowed grass. This will prevent moisture from evaporating and eliminate weeding.
• Top dressing is done in cases where organic components were not introduced into the soil during planting.
• Use a liquid compound fertilizer every two weeks.
• A support must be placed under tall varieties - this will protect against stem breakage during bad weather and strong winds.

No more than 3 shoots should be left on each bush.... To get larger flowers on the central peduncles, all lateral shoots should be cut off. It is imperative to remove faded buds to enable the young to develop. The fewer the buds, the larger the flowers.

After the first frost has damaged the bushes, they should be dug up... Cut the stem at a height of 15-20 cm from the ground and carefully dig out the root, trying not to damage it at the same time. Very often, liquid accumulates inside the hollow stem and this causes the plant to rot during storage. Therefore, the tuber is turned over with the stem down, allowing the liquid to flow out. After that, you can dry the tubers outdoors during the day, weather permitting. They are then transferred to a dry cellar for storage.

Diseases and pests

Dahlias are quite stable, but waterlogging of the soil should be avoided, which contributes to the development of diseases and the attack of slugs. Against aphids and mites, irrigate your plants periodically with tar water. When infected with a viral mosaic, light spots appear on the leaf plates, yellowing along the veins. Such plants should be discarded. If uncharacteristic growths are found on the tubers, which indicates bacterial cancer, the infected tubers are destroyed.

Types of dahlias with photos and descriptions

How to plant dahlias in spring Dahlia tree Dahlia arborea photo

Dahlia tree Dahlia arborea - a species with a powerful woody stem reaching a height of 2 m. It has simple lilac baskets.

Dahlias perennial planting and care of Dahlia Dahlia coccinea photo

Dahlia coccinea - the leaves of this species are pinnate with pointed lobes. The baskets are simple and small.
The species Dahlia juarezii has a stem about 1 m high with deeply indented dark malachite leaves and multi-colored inflorescences. from it cactus dahlias originated.

Dahlias annual planting and care Dahlia changeable Dahlia variabilis photo

Dahlia changeable Dahlia variabilis - has simple baskets with red ligulate and yellow tubular flowers.
All of these species, originally from Mexico, laid the foundation for a variety of varieties, so beloved by our flower growers. They absolutely do not tolerate even the lightest frost and in our strip are grown as annual plants. But dahlia tubers overwinter well in dry, cool rooms like potato tubers. To do this, they are dug up and re-planted in the spring.

There is a division of dahlias according to the shape of the inflorescence.

Anemone... Medium-sized group with semi-double inflorescences that look like anemones.

Collar... The tubular petals of this plant are shorter than those of other species. The middle of the inflorescence is made up of small tubular petals with a collar of one row of large flat petals of a contrasting color.

Peony... Outwardly they are similar to peonies. The most extensive and colorful species.

Lotus-shaped or nymphaean... All varieties of this species are terry and the largest.

Decorative... The most common variety, including the largest number of varieties.

Spherical and pompous... They are similar to each other and differ in the size of the inflorescence. Both have double flowers that resemble a ball, consisting of many petals. Pompous, whose diameter does not exceed 5 cm. Spherical - 8-15 cm. Both species are tall.

Cactus... The most original variety, their inflorescences consist of long narrow, folded petals, sometimes dissected at the ends.

Application

Planting dahlias with tubers When to plant dahlias Dahlias after winter photo and video

The medicinal properties of dahlias make it possible to classify them as medicinal plants. Decoctions of these flowers normalize metabolic processes, are useful for the cardiovascular system. Tincture of rhizomes is used as a prophylactic agent against diabetes mellitus. Fresh leaves are applied to the skin to treat acne. Rhizomes are used in crushed form as a mask for aging facial skin. Powder from the tubers is rubbed into the base of the hair follicles to strengthen the hair.

When to plant dahlias in the ground in spring Dahlias photo of flowers in the garden

Low-growing varieties are used for borders, flowerpots, balcony boxes. Most varieties are used in free compositions or group plantings. And especially spectacular, profusely flowering - in single plantings. Cultivars with long, strong peduncles are used for cutting and stand well in water for more than a week.

Growing dahlia planting and care in the open field Photo in the garden

Dahlias have always been loved by our flower growers. Some of them collect whole collections - their flower beds attract attention with an abundance of blooming dahlias. The abundance of planting material on store shelves, sufficient unpretentiousness, lush blooming put dahlia among the most popular plants in our plots.

Dahlias tubers in spring When to plant dahlias Planting and care photo and video