When do dahlias bloom? Information about the flowering period

Dahlias come in large numbers diversity in color, size and flower shape. The color palette ranges from white to yellow, orange to black and dark red, among other things. The flowers appear monochrome, multicolored, flamed or marbled. They should not be missing in any garden. Dahlias pamper you with their magnificent flowers all summer long. They are very popular cut flowers and give every summer bouquet that certain something. Below are a few tips so that you can bring out a splendid and healthy bloom every year.

Heyday

Dahlias flowering in late summer

The late summer flower enchants with its decorative flowers from July until the first frost. However, some care and various requirements are necessary for this. That's how the beautiful Mexican loves you

• sunny and sheltered place in the garden or on the terrace
• well-drained and nutrient-rich soil

Heavy, loamy soils and sandy soils are not suitable. Occurring waterlogging is not tolerated by the tubers and it can then easily

Root rot come.

tip: Dahlias are not only ideal as cut flowers, the flowers are also edible. So they can be used to make liqueurs. To do this, the flowers are washed and mixed with kirsch, brandy or other alcohol. The liqueur has to steep for a long time so that the aroma can develop properly.

Flowering time

Correct planting time is crucial for dahlia flowering

Normally the rule of thumb applies here: No planting before the ice saints in mid-May. However, if the weather is appropriate, the tubers can be planted at the end of April / beginning of May. Late frosts can endanger sprouting, but not the tuber. The frost no longer goes so deep into the ground. The planting of the tubers must be completed by the end of May at the latest.

The planting itself is not very laborious. Previously, older tubers should be divided. This allows the plants to sprout more vigorously and there is better flowering. It is important that there are eyes on the root neck of every piece of tuber. How to plant dahlias:

• Dig a sufficiently large planting hole, compost or horn shavings
  incorporate
• Insert the tuber 5 cm deep (not deeper, otherwise it will sprout badly)
• Then cover the tuber with a hand's breadth of soil
• Cover the upturned flower pot to protect against late frosts
• Planting distance of tall varieties 80 cm and small varieties 40 - 60 cm

tip: For better sprouting, put the tuber in the water for one night before planting.

Affect flowering time

Preculture for earlier budding

In addition, there is also the possibility of growing dahlia bulbs in pots on the windowsill, in the cold frame or in the greenhouse as early as March / April. In this way, the flowering period can be extended. The procedure is as follows:

• Place the tubers in water overnight
• Fill the pots with potting soil and place a shard over the drainage hole
• Insert the tuber 10 cm deep
• Cover the top of the tuber 3 cm with soil and water
• Place pots in a bright, slightly sunny and warm place
• Water regularly, but not too much, after budding
• Avoid waterlogging, otherwise the tuber will start to rot
• Plant preferred dahlias in the garden from May
• Work plenty of compost / horn shavings or deposited manure into the planting hole

tip: If the pots are too warm and too dark, long shoots will form. These can be shortened, which stimulates bushy growth and abundant flowering.

Cut regularly

So that the flowers of the "exotic" are plentiful and enchant the garden over a long period of time, there are a few things that need to be considered in terms of care. If these tips are followed, beautiful flower stalks can be cut until the first frost.
Please note the following:

• to water regularly mornings and evenings during the flowering period
• but avoid waterlogging
• Water less from September to encourage the tuber to store water, which is important for wintering
• Provide support by attaching plant sticks to protect the flowers from wind and weather
• cut frequently for a long flowering period, mainly in July
• Regularly cut off withered flowers or break them out with your thumb and forefinger
• fertilize in June / July, carefully work in ripe compost or horn shavings with a digging fork in the root area and water
• cut back slightly after the first main flower

Dahlias don't bloom

There can be various reasons for a dahlia not blooming. Either no flowers appear at all or the flower buds do not open, but turn brown and begin to rot. The following causes can be:

• unfavorable, too shady location
• lack of nutrients
• Soil too wet or dry
• bulbs that are too big

But it doesn't even have to get that far if you deal in detail with the requirements and care of this impressive flowering plant before planting. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• sunny location
• some varieties also tolerate partial shade, but then fewer flowers
• Loosen the soil thoroughly before planting, incorporate compost or horn shavings
• Loosen loamy soils with sand
• no waterlogging, but regular watering, soil must not dry out
• only use of organic fertilizers for nutrient supply
• ideal slightly acidic soil with pH 6.5
• large tubers bloom less, and if they are dense they mutually deprive each other of nutrients
• Therefore divide large tubers before planting
• frost-free and dark wintering the tubers at 5-10 ° C

tip: Artificial fertilizers contain too much nitrogen. The plants are encouraged to produce many stems and leaves, but no flowers.