Annual dahlias planting and care outdoors in spring

Annual dahlias, planting and caring for which are easier than perennial varieties, are the best solution for novice gardeners. These varieties are also suitable for colder climates where greenhouse growing is not possible. In terms of beauty and abundance of flowering, they are not inferior to perennial dahlias and have a large number of varieties and varieties.

Features of planting annual varieties of dahlias

Planting and caring for annual dahlias is easy. These plants are propagated by seeds, which can be purchased at the store or harvested by yourself after flowering. There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil - the plants take root well and bloom in almost any conditions.

Seed selection

The stores sell different varieties of dahlias and their combinations. Before buying, it is worth deciding for what purpose the flowers will be grown. There are a huge number of plant varieties that differ in height and shape. On sale you can find collared annual dahlias, as well as cactus and other varieties. The best option for decorating a garden is the collection marked "Mix". They contain seeds of different varieties, approximately the same in height. If you plant them in open ground, the flower beds are lush and bright.

Taller dahlia bushes have one feature - they begin to form buds later than undersized varieties. If the tall representatives begin to bloom in July, then you can wait for the flowering of low shrubs in early summer.

Landing in open ground

Seeds of annual dahlias can be planted in open ground without prior preparation. The procedure is carried out in May, when the soil warms up enough. If you plant the seeds before the air temperature rises and stays stable at 20-25 degrees, they may not sprout.

Planting and caring for annual dahlias is carried out in several stages:

• the soil is pre-loosened, you can add a small amount of organic fertilizers;
• seeds are placed at a distance of several centimeters from each other;
• after 7-10 days, the first shoots appear, and when they begin to grow intensively, they get rid of the weakest representatives so as not to interfere with the growth of healthier plants;
• dahlias are periodically watered in drought conditions.

The main challenge is when to plant annual dahlias when grown from seed. May is the optimal time in a temperate climate, but you should be guided by the temperature of the air and soil. In addition, with this method of planting, the time for the appearance of buds is shifted. The first flowers begin to bloom in August, when the rest of the summer plants are already starting to fade, and remain until the frost begins.

Growing seedlings

A more laborious way to grow dahlias is with seedlings. It is chosen so that the first bright inflorescences appear in late May or early June. To do this, it is necessary to prepare separate pots or boxes for seedlings, soil and seeds at the beginning of spring.

When growing annual dahlias with seedlings, it is worth acting according to a certain algorithm:

• in April, seeds are scattered over the surface of the soil in one large box, they are covered with earth from above and tamped a little;
• the first shoots will begin to appear in a week, and the plants may become cramped in one container;
• when the first pair of leaves grows, each flower is placed in a separate small pot;
• already grown dahlias are planted in the ground at the end of spring, and very soon the first inflorescences begin to appear on them.

In May, when the air temperature becomes steadily high and does not decrease at night, seedlings can be planted in open ground. Average varieties of dahlias are located at a distance of 30-60 cm from each other, but this figure depends on the type of plant. Before planting in the soil, seedlings of annual dahlias must be hardened. To do this, it is worth leaving a container with young flowers on open balconies or first taking them out into the street in the daytime.

Caring for annual dahlias

Annual dahlias are easy to care for. Unlike perennial varieties, they do not need to be fed regularly, since they do not have time to use up soil reserves. If other plants have previously grown on this land, organic fertilizing (humus, compost), as well as mineral potassium or sodium mixtures, can be added during the planting of dahlias. During the flowering period, wood ash will be useful.

There are several rules for caring for annual dahlias:

• it is worth watering flowers only when they suffer from severe drought;
• if you periodically pluck the tops of the shoots, the bush will grow more lush;
• the soil in the flowerbed should be regularly loosened, while trying not to damage the rhizome;
• after flowering, you can collect seed boxes and plant them next year.

To decorate the garden, it is worth choosing the annual varieties of dahlias. In addition to being easy to care for, they are distinguished by longer flowering. The first buds appear in early June, and the last ones wither only with the onset of frost.

Which variety should you choose?

Before planting, you should familiarize yourself with the varieties of annual dahlias with photos and names. Some of them will not grow more than 20-20 cm (undersized), so they are not suitable for decorating bouquets. Tall varieties can grow up to 70-90 cm in height and can form a veritable hedge. Among the most popular varieties of annual dahlias are:

Growing annual dahlias is an easy way to get vibrant flowers with little investment or preparation. Tall plants make beautiful bouquets or hedges, and low-growing annual dahlias form small borders. They are easy to care for, do not require winter preparation and fertilization. In addition, the seeds of the plant can be collected by yourself and left for planting next season.

Annual dahlias in the country - video

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 tips:

• 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 rather moist soil - for this, the land under the plantings should be mulched with half-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 are grown in our strip 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 diameter of which 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. Varieties 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

How to grow annual dahlias

1. Choosing a variety of annual dahlias.
2. Sowing seeds in open ground.
3. Growing seedlings of annual dahlias.
4. Planting dahlias in the ground.
5. Caring for annual dahlias.
6. Growing of annual dahlias in pots and flowerpots.
7. How to save tubers.
8. Dahlias in garden design.

Growing annual dahlias is a snap. Planting and caring for these annuals will be within the power of even inexperienced growers. In addition, the cultivation of annual dalys has its advantages:

1. Unlike the perennial varieties of dahlias, annual varieties are excellently grown from seed. There is no easy task - to dig up and store tubers until spring. It is enough to buy seeds of the kind you like and plant them in the spring.
2. Growing seedlings allows you to get flowering plants as early as June.
3. The flowering of annual varieties is lush and long (lasts until the very frost).
4. At a cost, dahlia seeds are much cheaper than tubers, and more plants can be grown.

What is the difference between varieties of annual dahlias

Depending on the variety, annual dahlias differ in height, flowering time, shape and size of the inflorescence

• Low-growing varieties with a height of 15-20 cm to 45-60 cm.
• Medium-sized varieties grow up to 1-1.2 m.
• Dwarf varieties begin to bloom much earlier than taller varieties.
• In shape, inflorescences are simple, semi-double, double, cactus, pompom.

On the seed bags, the manufacturer gives a description of the variety, sowing and flowering dates. Based on this information, it is easy to select the right variety depending on the planting location. For growing annuals on the balcony, in pots and flowerpots, and for decorating borders and the foreground of mixborders, dwarf varieties are suitable, which are distinguished by early and intense flowering on compact bushes.

Popular varieties of low-growing dahlias: Merry Guys, Figaro, Dandy, Bambino, Vasilisa, Piccolo, etc.

Higher distances can be planted in flower beds and mixborders, in beds, along the fence and wall. Medium-sized annual dahlias: Bright pom-poms, Cactus mix.

There are two options for growing annual dahlias:

1. Sowing seeds directly into the ground.
2. Growing through seedlings.

Sowing seeds in open ground

Annual dahlias can be grown by sowing seeds directly in open ground. Dahlia do best on light, breathable, neutral or slightly acidic soils. Preplant preparation of the land can be carried out in the fall or spring. Add rotted manure, humus, compost to the site for dahlias. Coarse sand and ash will help to improve the structure of heavy earth.

When to plant. When determining the sowing time, it should be borne in mind that sprouts appear within a week. Therefore, it is possible to plant seeds in open ground when there is no threat of frost.

Landing. The seeds are buried 1-1.5 cm with an interval of about 30 cm. Since some seeds may not germinate, it is better to plant 2 or 3 seeds at a time. Subsequently, if friendly shoots have turned out, you can leave one, the most powerful plant, and transplant the rest to another place.
Water the crops, mulch or cover with foil to retain moisture.

Growing seedlings of annual dahlias

Growing annual dalys through seedlings allows you to get flowering plants as early as June. In the first half of March, you can start sowing seeds.

A light substrate is poured into a plastic container with drainage holes in a layer of up to 5-7 cm. You can buy ready-made soil or prepare it yourself by mixing 2 parts of sod land with 1 part of humus and 1 part of sand. Perlite or vermiculite is sometimes added instead of sand.

We sow seeds. Before sowing, it is advisable to spill the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate or phytosporin to prevent fungal diseases. Spread the seeds on the surface and cover them with a layer of soil up to 1.5 cm. Carefully water the crops and cover with foil. In a warm, bright place, seedlings will appear on the 5-7th day.

How to care for seedlings. As soon as the sprouts hatch, the film must be removed and provided with good lighting and an optimal temperature of about 20 degrees. If there is not enough light, additional lighting should be organized. In poor light, the seedlings stretch out strongly.

Watering should be moderate as the soil dries. Dahlias cannot stand waterlogging, which can lead to the development of the disease - black leg.

Picking. In the phase of two true leaves, dahlias dive into separate pots, deepening the plants to the cotyledonous leaves.

Two weeks after the pick, the seedlings can be fed with complex fertilizer. After ten days, repeat the feeding. Top dressing should be carried out on wet soil so as not to burn the delicate roots of young plants.
Above the third pair of real leaves, you need to pinch the top. As a result, side shoots will grow, the bushes will be more lush.

Planting dahlias in open ground

Before planting in the garden, the seedlings must be hardened.Plants begin to take out into fresh air, increasing the residence time. As soon as the threat of frost has passed, dahlias can be planted in a prepared place.

The site for planting Daliy should be sunny with light fertile soil. Humus or compost can be added to the planting hole, mixed with the ground. Two hours before planting, water the seedlings well. It is necessary to transfer the plants to the planting hole together with a lump of earth so as not to injure the roots. So the bushes will take root faster.

The distance between plants depends on the variety. For undersized dahlias, the gap is 30 cm, for higher species - 50 cm. Water and mulch the planted plants.

Caring for annual dahlias

Annual dahlias are undemanding in care, which consists in watering, weeding and feeding.

Watering

Dahlias do not like prolonged waterlogging, so you need to water the plants as the soil dries out. In dry hot weather, watering can be increased up to twice a week. After watering, it is advisable to mulch the soil. Mulching helps to retain moisture longer and does not form a crust on the soil surface.

Weeding

Weeding is necessary to keep the area around the dahlias clean. Weeds take moisture and nutrients from plants, and the access of light is impaired. Weeding is best done on the second or third day after watering, while loosening the soil. Loosening improves the air permeability of the soil and reduces moisture evaporation.

Top dressing

At the beginning of the growing season, our dahlias need nitrogen to build up green mass. Therefore, if organic fertilizers were not applied to the planting hole when planting seedlings, you can feed the plants with mullein infusions (2 liters of infusion per 10 liters of water). Top dressing should be carried out one week after transplanting. The day before fertilizing, the flowers must be watered.

During the period of budding and flowering, dahlias need phosphorus-potassium supplements. Potassium sulfate and superphosphate or a compound fertilizer with a low nitrogen content are suitable. Two dressings are enough: during the budding period and at the beginning of flowering.

With an excess of nitrogen, the dahlia bushes begin to "fatten", i.e. to increase the green mass to the detriment of flowering. In addition, such plants are more susceptible to infection with fungal diseases.

Timely removal of wilting inflorescences allows dahlias to bloom longer, because the plant does not waste energy on seed ripening and begins to release new buds.

As you can see, caring for dahlias is ordinary and not at all difficult.

Growing dahlias in pots and flowerpots

For growing annuals in pots and flowerpots, dwarf varieties are excellent. Dwarf dahlia bushes grow no more than 40-50 cm. Flowering begins in June and continues until autumn frosts. Many low-growing varieties of dahlias have been developed, suitable for growing in pots and containers, which grow in a low compact bush with abundant flowering.

Pots should be spacious (at least 5 L) with good drainage holes for water to drain. At the bottom you need to pour a layer of expanded clay. Lightly breathable, neutral or slightly acidic soil is used for planting. Good results are obtained by adding hydrogel, vermiculite, perlite. These additives accumulate excess moisture and then release it as the soil dries out.

Before planting, it is advisable to spill the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate or phytosporin for the prevention of diseases.
Taking care of dahlias planted in flowerpots is somewhat more difficult than in the open field. Care will consist in more frequent watering, top dressing, timely removal of faded baskets. Fertilizers are applied after watering once every two weeks. It is convenient to use complex liquid fertilizers. In August, all feeding is stopped.

In the fall, before the onset of frost, dahlias can be brought into a warm room, and they will delight with their flowering for some time.

How to save tubers

Annual dahlias grown through seedlings, under good conditions, manage to form tubers in a season. In the fall, after the first frost, these tubers can be dug up and stored in a basement or other room with a temperature of about 5 degrees.

Low-growing dahlias form small nodules that can dry out during storage. Therefore, it is better to store them covered with earth, peat or sawdust. Some gardeners leave the tubers for storage in pots, in which dahlias have grown all summer. But it must be borne in mind that after a couple of years, the tubers begin to degenerate, and it will be necessary to update the variety by sowing seeds.

The seeds can be harvested on their own, leaving a few faded baskets to dry completely. But dahlias grown from such seeds are likely to be unlike the mother plant.

Annual dahlias in garden design

Due to the variety of colors and shapes, annual dahlias can be planted both in separate groups, creating bright spots among the greenery of the garden, and together with other annuals. Here it is important to choose a good combination of colors of inflorescences and avoid excessive variegation.

Dahlias in flower beds and mixborders go well with delphinium, phlox, lobelia. Asters, cosmos and zinnias in matching colors can also make a pleasant company.

Cactus and pompom dahlias that grow up to 1 m tall will look good in the background of a flower bed or mixborder. Ornamental sunflowers can be planted next to them.

Dwarf varieties are suitable for decorating the border, rabatka and foreground of a mixborder. An excellent addition to them will be undersized marigolds and marigolds with their yellow-orange color palette.
Dahlias planted in pots, flowerpots can be placed on terraces and verandas, near garden benches and gazebos.

Diseases and pests of annual dahlias

Annual dahlias can be affected by fungal and viral diseases. Most common: gray rot, white rot, fusarium, black leg, viral mosaic.
Such pests as aphids, scoop caterpillars, slugs and snails love to feast on juicy green shoots and delicate petals of annual dalys.
To protect your flowers from diseases and pests, it is important to follow the growing rules and carry out preventive plant treatments.

An interesting video about the care of annual dahlias

Other helpful articles about dahlias

1. Varieties of perennial and annual dahlias. On this page you can familiarize yourself with the most different types of dahlias. There are small ones (which can be planted in pots or on the balcony), and there are large and simply huge ones.
2. Growing perennial dahlias. Detailed advice on choosing a site, planting dates, preparing tubers, growing seedlings and much more.
3. Dahlia diseases and pests. The most effective methods for controlling pests and treating diseases of your flowers.
4. When to dig up and how to store the tubers. Dahlias must not only be dug up in time, but also preserved during the winter. How best to do this in an apartment, read this article.

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Annual dahlias are short and medium-sized

Dahlia - a flower that Russian growers love very much. This is an unpretentious, beautifully flowering plant that deserves a special place at each site.

Dahlias are perennial and annual.... Perennials reproduce by tubers, which have to be planted every spring and dug up in autumn, but that's not all, these tubers need to be stored under certain conditions so as not to deteriorate. If all this red tape does not suit you, then real salvation is dahlia annual.

The one-year-old dahlia is the same dahlia, but does not require the above manipulations with tubers. These dahlias are propagated by seeds.

Dahlia is native to South America... When this plant was brought to Europe, it was used in cooking. And only in 1815, thanks to the efforts of Belgian gardeners, this plant received the status of a garden flower. Since then, breeders from all over the world have begun to work on the creation of various varieties and species of this floral plant, and now there are more than ten thousand species.

Choosing varieties of annual dahlias

Annual dahlias are short and medium-sized, therefore, it is worth paying attention to this. Low-growing ones are planted in mixborders in the foreground or background, and they can also be used in mono flower beds, by the way, such flower beds with dahlias look great. Medium-sized ones are used for landing in the middle ground.
Low-growing dahlia varieties bloom earlier... And this must be taken into account.

The flowers of the annual dahlia are different in color., petal shape and terry. The flowers are also large and small. Joint planting of different varieties and types of dahlias looks very good.

We sow seeds of annual dahlia seedlings

Generally, sow dahlia seeds you can immediately and in open ground, but then the plant will bloom only in August. Therefore, if you want to get beautiful flowers much earlier, you need to sow seeds for seedlings. This must be done from late February to late March - early April.

The seeds are sown in a box with prepared soil. The soil can be taken from the site or you can buy universal or special soil for flower crops in the store. It is advisable to heat the soil in the oven and spill it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate - these procedures will prevent diseases that are dangerous for seedlings. The seeds themselves do not need to be processed, but you can soak them in a growth regulator or complex mineral fertilizer - this will accelerate seed germination and make the seedlings stronger.

The seeds are sown in small containers filled with prepared soil. Seeds should not be placed too close, the ideal is 2-3 centimeters from each other. Seeds are planted shallowly, only 1-1.5 centimeters.

For the fastest germination of seeds, the container with seeds is covered with plastic wrap. A greenhouse effect is created, which allows you to create an ideal temperature for germination: 22-25 degrees. The box is placed in a warm place.

Saplings appear in six to seven days. The main thing is not to miss this moment and open the film in time. Otherwise, the seedlings will not have enough light, and they will begin to stretch, they can also simply rot due to an excess of moisture and condensation.

Picking up annual dahlia seedlings

Seedlings dive when the second real leaf appears. They are seated one at a time in separate pots. The pots should be 10-12 centimeters high to allow the root system to develop well. In order not to damage the roots when transplanting into open ground, the pots should be peaty. In general, picking is simply necessary if you want your dahlias to bloom as quickly as possible, because diving seedlings form the first bud at the end of May.

How to care for your annual dahlia seedlings?

High-quality seedlings can only be obtained with good care. Only strong plants will withstand all the difficulties that await them in the open field.

Initially, you need to provide the seedlings with a sufficient amount of light, otherwise the plants will simply begin to stretch, thereby weakening.

Also, the place where the seedling box is located must be regularly ventilated, but without creating drafts.

It is necessary to monitor the maintenance of the humidity level. Water regularly. It is better if a spray bottle is used for this purpose - this will prevent soil erosion. But stagnation of water is also unacceptable. Therefore, you need to water only as the soil dries up.

Two weeks after the emergence of seedlings, they need to be fed with a universal fertilizer for seedlings or special fertilizer for seedlings of flower crops, then this procedure is repeated, but only once a week.

To dahlia seedlings planted in open ground did not die, it needs to be hardened... You can start hardening from the end of April. To do this, pots with seedlings are taken out for 5 minutes in a room with a temperature of 12-15 degrees. The time is gradually increased.

We plant annual dahlia seedlings in open ground

Seedlings of annual dahlia

Plant prepared seedlings of annual dahlias in open ground is possible only when the soil will warm up well and avoid the threat of frost... In the central and southern regions - this is mid-May, in Siberia dahlias are planted in early June.

To annual dahlias pleased you with abundant flowering, you need to take care of choosing a meta for planting them. Dahlias very love warm, light and sun, therefore they need to be planted in well-lit places... Annual dahlias are able to withstand a slight shade, but with significant shade, the plant looks sick and weak, blooms poorly, and the flowers themselves become small and stunted.

Another condition for abundant flowering is good, nutritious soil. The plant does not put forward special requirements for growers in the soil, but the creation of drainage will not interfere.

Before planting dahlia seedlings in open ground, they are abundantly shed and wait for two hours. This method will reduce damage to the root system, which means, reduce the survival time.

How to care for a one year old dahlia outdoors?

Dahlia annual- This plant is unpretentious, but it also requires attention and care.

Watering. Dahlia does not like stagnant moisture, so watering should be moderate, as the soil dries out. You need to water it with warm water under the root early in the morning or late in the evening - this way you protect your plants from sunburn and prevent them from boiling.

Top dressing. Like all flower plants, the annual dahlia requires additional feeding. You can feed it with special complex fertilizers and growth regulators. A lot of nutrients are required during flowering. During this period, potash fertilizers are applied once a week and phosphorus fertilizers are applied once every two weeks.

Also, we must not forget about constant weeding from weeds and loosening.

Annual dahlia varieties

Variety of annual dahlia "Funny guys"

This plant has a huge number of varieties and types, so every grower will find something suitable for himself.

Most popular the type of one-year-old dahlia is "Funny guys"... Plants of this species are small: up to 70 centimeters in height. The flowers are single-row, non-double, but very bright colors, which makes these flowers cute. The flowering period is very long: from June to September-October (or even to November).

There are also semi-double, double, cactus, pompom, spherical flowers... Each species has an unimaginable number of colors.

The annual dahlia is a plant that deserves special attention... Its unpretentiousness, long flowering, variety of shapes and shades make this annual flower one of the best for growing in its own area. This plant will go well with almost any annuals and perennials. The annual dahlia will not get lost even among asters and petunias.