How to properly propagate and grow undersized dahlias
We are already accustomed to observing in the cities of our homeland, immense in its expanses, walking through parks, squares and near municipal buildings and houses of culture, beautiful multi-colored flowers, striking at the same time with their small stem height and a huge iridescent flower.
This flower is called dahlia, and is named after Professor Johann Georgi Gottlieb from the cultural capital of St. Petersburg. But no one knows that dahlias take their origin in the lands of ancient South America. In the place where Mexico is now, the Aztecs and Incas planted these flowers throughout their territory, decorating their temples, and using them to add color to their rituals.
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Dahlia species
Dahlia stems, due to their strength, were used as drains and pipes for supplying water. With the advent of the conquistadors and the expeditions of the Venetians, flowers came to Europe. And their original name is Dahlia. In honor of the famous scientist Dahl. But dahlias arrived in Europe not as flowers, but as vegetables. It was only after some time that this error was corrected. Having passed this way, the flowers are now developing in the wind near the monuments of architecture, delighting people passing by them.
Thanks to a large number of experiments related to crossing and breeding new varieties, today thousands of varieties of dahlias are known.
Differing among themselves the structure of the stem and inflorescences, the type of bushes and petals, dahlias are divided into 14 main groups, after reading whose names it becomes clear which flower belongs to:
- Nymphaeic.
- Anemonic.
- Collar.
- Peony.
- Pompom.
- Cactus.
In the color range, you can find both white and burgundy, both blue and purple inflorescences. There are a large number of mixed colors among them. Today, varieties with variegated leaves are very popular, as well as multi-colored varieties.
For the convenience of classification, three factors were identified by which dahlias can be determined to one or another variety: the shape of the inflorescence, the height of the plant and the size of the bush.
It is customary to distinguish three groups in the factor "height":
- No more than 70 centimeters (low).
- No more than 120 centimeters (medium).
- No more than 125 centimeters (high).
The flower size also includes three groups:
- Up to 10 centimeters (low-flowered).
- Up to 20 centimeters (mid-flowered).
- From 20 centimeters (large-flowered).
The shape of the inflorescence combines most varieties into one group - decorative flowers... So they are called. But there are also individual types:
- Collar.
- Cactus.
- Pompom.
Another boring name for these flowers is border flowers. They have become familiar to the eyes, and they can be found most often.
Among them, the most popular are:
- "Blusette" is a plant with a light plum flower color.
- "Margareth Cleene" - having a salmon color of the flower, it translates as Margaret - baby.
- "Berliner Cleene" - a flower with a delicate pink color, in translation - Berlin baby.
All of these species begin to bloom in mid-July, and another common feature is the moderate brightness of the color of the inflorescences.Someone prefers to call it even "pastel" color.
In order for these flowers to begin blooming a week, or even two weeks earlier, it is necessary to grow the rhizome of these plants. for this special soil is used from peat. You can also use wet sand. The main thing is to take into account the fear of flowers in the cold. Hence, it becomes necessary, before disembarking them, to make sure that all the cold weather has passed and will not return again. Or protect the plants from contact with the cold, using a plastic bag, thereby covering them with them. Another fairly strong material will also work. The main thing is that it does not consist of fabric.
Rhizomes make themselves felt in a week if they are germinated.
If not, then in two weeks. These varieties are grown in large numbers in Holland and are in great demand. The average height of the stem, together with the flower, is considered to be from 30 to 40 centimeters.
Another famous variety of dahlias can be safely called "Gallery". This series is very popular with both the most sophisticated and novice gardeners. The series includes such varieties as:
- "Gallery Art Deco".
- "Gallery Rembrandt".
- "Gallery Singer".
- "Gallery Bellini", etc.
Caring for low-growing dahlias
All of them are extraordinarily beautiful and have soft red colors, which becomes their feature. This series is constantly being updated. Every year in progress crosses new varieties appear.
And most importantly, these flowers can be grown without any problems in vases and special containers (patios).
At the same time, evenly formed bushes do not require trembling attention. The average height of this series of flowers is considered to be 45 centimeters. But it happens that it comes up to 50 centimeters.
Dahlia fertilization features:
- The main thing when breeding in containers and floor containers is not to forget to fill the contents of the local soil with a special proven and high-quality granular fertilizer.
- This fertilizer should be intended for flowers, which are characterized by abundant flowering, and have a prolonged effect.
- It also does not hurt to add a small amount of hydrogel granules if you are going to go somewhere for a long time. The hydrogel will give the soil the moisture it needs.
For cultivation near buildings or in parks in specially designated flower beds, dahlias are used - "Funny guys".
This is a classic variety of curb-type miniature dahlias. Also for such a place is the dahlia variety - "Topmix". All of these varieties fit perfectly into the flower beds of city buildings, tracks and monuments. They also found their application in planting fencing roads, or alleys. These varieties were obtained by crossing, which, when breeding them by seed, can eventually deprive them of their main qualities - terry, collar, and even reduce their height. Also, repeated reproduction can take away their bright color from flowers. This type of flowers can be grown on the balcony of your home, as well as in special floor vases.
Considering that they are capable of losing their properties due to multiple breeding processes, the question arises - how to have the same flowers in your home next year? In this case, you must either buy seeds from the right supplier, which has already been tested by time. Or try to save their root tubers until next spring. But it is very difficult and time consuming.
Dahlia is not a capricious plant, and does not require special care.
Its only requirement is the presence of light. Since, due to its southern origin from the lands of Mexico, dahlia is a thermophilic flower. It must be planted in the southern part of your site. Before planting, be sure to make sure that there is no further frost. Even a slight frost can kill a plant. Dahlias have a very long flowering, and in order to preserve the flower, it can be transplanted into a greenhouse.
Gergina has many varieties, rich in its diversity.From only one of their series, you can make a whole multi-colored, iridescent garden. Also, dahlias are not capricious with their neighbors. And they easily get along with other plants... In the same bed with them, there can be both annual and perennial flowers.
Soil for dahlias
The soil for these flowers have such characteristics as moisture permeability and friability. If planting takes place in a floor vase, then a small amount of expanded clay must be added to the soil. The ideal substrate in the initial stages is humus village / garden land. The soil should be free of manure and compost.
Since they are characterized by the appearance of insects in them, and the development of such a problem as "black rot".
An excellent baking powder can be:
- River sand.
- Gravel.
- Perlite.
- Peat.
- Small expanded clay.
Moreover, they can be used both individually and all together.
Also, don't forget about drainage. Expanded clay and fragments of red brick are well suited for him. In order not to water often, and immediately avoid drying out the earth, it is necessary to add hydrogel or vermiculite granules to the soil. These materials tend to regulate moisture in the soil.
Dahlia breeding
In order to carry out the breeding process of low-growing dahlias, they are suitable as seeds, so is the division of tubers... Seeds are used, as a rule, for the development of new varieties. They are sown in a specially designated container or box. At the correct temperature from 20 - 22, the first shoot can be obtained in four days.
When the ground in the garden bed warms up thoroughly, the seedlings can be sown into it.
In the case of cuttings, you must:
- Cut off young shoots. Their height should not exceed 10 centimeters.
- Under the film, immersed in river sand, the cuttings are planted in the ground. And after 14 days, the first roots appear.
It is worth noting that dividing a tuber is a very useful exercise, since if this is not done, then the plant can degenerate after 6-7 years.
This method of grafting in the case of low-growing dahlias, it is possible to engage in the entire period. If you eat late cuttings, you can grow them in a special container and store them on the windowsill of your house. It is noticed that plants obtained from cuttings, not only are they not worse than those grown from tubers - moreover, they have larger inflorescences.
More information can be found in the video.