Dahlia is a medium-sized plant that is commonly grown for its beautiful flowers. It has no economic or culinary value, but its colorful blooms make it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. None is not toxic or invasive, and it attracts insects and birds with its nectar-rich flowers. Its blooming season is from mid-summer to early fall, and it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Water:
Dahlia thrives in well-drained, mountainous regions with moderate moisture. It is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture during active growth, needing watering every 1-2 weeks. Optimal blooming occurs when soil moisture aligns with the growing season's needs.
Fertilize:
Dahlia thrives in fertile soil, requiring a liquid fertilizer every 10-15 days during its early growth, shifting to phosphate-potassium post-flower bud emergence, with applications then every 7-10 days. Stop fertilizing when flower buds show color; avoid in high temperatures. Symptoms indicate nutrient balance.
Pruning:
To enhance flower size and color in dahlia, prune excessive axillary buds at germination and remove competitive lateral buds. Retain 3-4 healthy root base buds for future blooms. Promptly trim withered flowers and leaves for better ventilation and reduced nutrient consumption.
Propagation:
The primary propagation methods for dahlia are root division, cutting, and sowing. Root division is effective, producing about five seedlings from a tuber. Cuttings root faster in moist sandy soil with optimal conditions, while sowing is used for breeding, leading to blooms in 1-2 years.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.