Dahlias make for a real bloom in the garden. But so that you can enjoy them, the dahlias need to be cared for and properly cared for.
The ones from Mexico Dahlias (Dahlia) have long been among the most popular flowers in gardens and parks. They are particularly interesting for hobby gardeners due to their unusual variety of shapes and colors. Although the dahlia can be described as a rather easy-care garden plant, there are still some aspects to be considered when caring for it. It is precisely the plant's willingness to flower that is decisively influenced by correct handling. We show you how to optimally care for your dahlias.
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- The right location for dahlias
- Dahlias: buy tubers or potted dahlias?
- Properly care for dahlias in beds and pots
- Cutting dahlias: Cut off dried flowers and leaves
The right location for dahlias
Dahlias are pronounced sun worshipers among ornamental plants and are therefore ideally at home in full sun. In addition to the correct location, the soil is also essential for the growth and health of the colorful flower Of importance: Ideally, there is a nutrient-rich soil that is relatively permeable at the planting site is. Compacted clay and loam soils are usually not very suitable. In this case, sand should be incorporated to improve water drainage. Incorporating compost has also proven its worth, as it loosens up the soil structure and provides additional nutrients.
When choosing a location, pay attention to the following points:
- Full sunny place
- Nutrient-rich and well-drained soil
Dahlias: buy tubers or potted dahlias?
Many wonder whether planting tubers or buying a whole plant makes more sense. First you should note: Dahlias that have already grown will flower several weeks before the tubers are used. You can also take this step yourself by bringing the tubers out in the house from March onwards.
Soil and substrate properties for dahlias
The permeability of the soil is important both when planting the tubers outdoors and when growing them indoors so that there is no rot in the root area. High-quality potting soil such as our peat-free one is ideal Plantura organic potting soil. This is used both to improve the soil in the bed and for dahlias in pots.
Plant dahlia bulbs correctly
Planting the dahlia bulbs requires a little attention for planting to be a success: set Before planting, put the tubers in water for one night to prevent moisture loss from overwintering balance. Then insert the tubers so deep that the tip is a few centimeters below the surface of the earth. Depending on the variety, the dahlias should be planted in the open at a distance of 30 to 100 cm.
Properly care for dahlias in beds and pots
Caring for dahlias requires comparatively little effort and the flowering plants only rarely need to be checked. We'll show you what you should still pay attention to.
Water dahlias properly
Water your dahlias as needed as the soil slowly dries out. On the other hand, when it is very hot in midsummer you can use the watering can more often. You should take great care not to flood your flowers with water, as the exotic plants do not tolerate waterlogging well. Also, when watering, make sure to only water the soil under the plant and not to wet the leaves.
Fertilize dahlias properly
The most sensible method of supplying dahlias with nutrients is to use primarily organic slow-release fertilizers or compost. Work our Plantura Organic flower fertilizer before planting the dahlias in the ground and repeat the process again over the course of the summer.
Cutting dahlias: Cut off dried flowers and leaves
Trimming your dahlia is not only useful to bring the plant into a decorative shape, but also to influence growth and flowering. Cut off dried flowers and leaves regularly to stimulate the formation of new shoots. In this way you will encourage the dahlia to develop more flowers. If you prefer particularly large flowers, it is worth keeping just a few shoots. You can also achieve stronger branching of the plant if you cut off a few shoot tips at the beginning.
The following pruning measures are worthwhile for the dahlia:
- Cut shoot tips: Stronger branching
- Cut off dried flowers: new shoots and flowers are formed
- Preservation of only a few shoots: larger flowers
Successfully overwintering dahlias
The most effective way to wintering of dahlias is digging up the tubers in the fall. Immediately after the first frost, cut the dahlias down to a length of 10 cm and carefully dig up the tubers. In an airy and cool, but frost-free environment, they can be left until the next spring and then used again.
