When to get dahlias for grafting and germination
Initially, you should know some features about the dahlia itself. Proud, lush, with a "mighty" inflorescence, the flower is very sensitive to minimal temperature drops. Even frosts, which barely approach the zero-degree mark, can destroy the ground part of the plant. Therefore, there is still no definite answer when to get dahlias that have wintered in a cellar or other storage. But still, professional gardeners and botanical scientists identify periods that are more suitable for the start of germination of these flowers.
When to get dahlias for grafting
The period most favorable for the beginning of the extraction of flower tubers for grafting is the last days of February - the first days of March. Of course, we plant dahlia (in the form of tubers) at home in a pot, where there is a pre-prepared substrate for the most progressive growth. There are at least three most suitable mixtures in which dahlia tubers feel like "kings": this
- Combine neutral peat with sand in equal proportions;
- Ready-made substrate called coconut;
- A mixture of sawdust obtained from sawing hardwoods, all with the same sand.
Continuing to care for the tubers for 15-20 days, you will notice the first shoots. After waiting until they grow up to 10-15 cm, you can start grafting.
When to get dahlias for germination
If you had a very successful last year, and you stocked up with a sufficient number of tubers that there is no need for additional reproduction, then you can get dahlias to start germinating at the very end of the first spring month or even in the first decade of April. Disembarkation is carried out in a room where the air temperature should not fall below 12C and exceed 18C. It is best to plant the tubers in boxes containing one of the three substrates listed above. After 8-10 days, the first shoots should begin to appear.