A Guide to Successfully Growing One of This Season’s Trendiest Plants in Time for Cinco de Mayo
April 12, 2022 - As the national flower of Mexico,
dahlias are the perfect flower to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Growing these big
beautiful blooms might seem like a mystery, but with a bit of extra love,
gardeners of all skill levels will be rewarded with a summer of endless color.
Benefits of Dahlias
Dahlias have a rich history but have recently grown in
popularity because of their “Instagram-worthy” blooms. Their flowers come in a
rainbow of colors that range in size and texture from 2-inch pompoms to 15-inch
monster blooms. Most varieties can grow up to 5 feet tall. Single-flowered
varieties attract pollinators to the garden and were recently recognized by
European bulb growers as the Bulb of the Year.
When and Where to Plant Dahlias
Order and purchase dahlia tubers in early spring, but wait
until the last frost has passed before planting. Give them a head start by
planting them in containers indoors, then establishing them in the ground after
frost. Choose a location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil and plenty of
sunlight.
How to Plant and Care for Dahlias
Dahlias grow from bulb-like structures called tubers. Small
pink or green “eyes” or growth are good signs that the tuber is healthy. Avoid
planting tubers that look overly dry, wrinkled, or rotten. Plant just below the
soil surface, about 5 inches apart for smaller varieties or up to 12 inches
apart for larger varieties. Once planted, cover with soil and water, so the
soil is moist but not overly saturated. There should be no need to water again
until plants emerge.
Pinching, Disbudding, and Staking
Most small dahlia varieties do not need additional staking,
pinching, or disbudding, but larger varieties benefit from extra support. When
plants are about 1 foot tall, pinching the top 4-inches of growth on the center
branch will encourage bushier plants. Focus the plant’s energy on larger
flowers by disbudding – removing the two adjacent smaller buds to the central
bud in a flower cluster. Insert stakes at the time of planting and adjust as
the plant grows.
Digging Up and Storing Tubers
While most dahlia varieties are winter hardy in USDA zones 8
and warmer, many gardeners remove the tubers and store them for the winter.
- After
the first frost, cut the stems down to about 3-inches.
- Use a
garden spade or hand rake to gently loosen the soil.
- Carefully
remove the tubers from the ground.
- Wash
away soil and debris.
- Allow
tubers time to cure or dry in a well-ventilated area with temperatures
between 60˚-70˚ for 24-48 hours.
Once cured, place in a cardboard box or a dry paper bag,
fill with dry sand or small wood shavings to maintain moisture and allow
airflow. Check on them regularly through the winter and remove any tuber that
has begun to rot to avoid spreading.
In the spring, remove from storage and plant in the garden
for another year of epic dahlia blooms. Each year spent in the ground, the
tubers will get bigger, too!
This Campaign is financed with aid from the European Union.
Flowerbulbs.com is a promotional agency for the flower bulb
sector. Their goal is to educate and inspire new and experienced gardeners.
They do not sell flower bulbs; they encourage consumers to visit their local
retailer. High-resolution images are available royalty-free when citing
FlowerBulbs.com as the source. Visit http://www.flowerbulbs.com for
more information.
Garden Media Group specializes in the home, garden,
horticulture, outdoor-living, lawn and landscape industries. They offer
innovative PR campaigns designed to secure top media placements and
partnerships with traditional and social media. For gardening tips, new product
announcements, and PR and marketing tips, visit http://www.gardenmediagroup.com.
Media Contact:
PEGGYANNE MONTGOMERY
Phone: 6104443040
Email: info@gardenmediagroup.com
