| Planting Care Guide |
| How can a flower that is sometimes bigger than your head not be a good thing? |
| Philosophy : We'd really like to encourage you to grow and enjoy beautiful dahlias. You can make planting and growing dahlias as difficult as you see fit. However, if you only remember one point, it is this: Dahlias are a case where you should put a five-dollar tuber in a twenty-dollar hole. This simply means preparing the soil properly before planting the dahlia tuber. It's never expected that one gardener will follow the same methods as another. As flower farmers we don't always follow the growing system we put forward here. We're constantly adapting to changes in our soil, the weather, equipment, and other factors. Thus, we find we're forever evolving as growers. The general principles of growing dahlias should, however, remain logical even though some of the particulars may change. When and Where to Plant Dahlia tubers should be planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. They're usually planted the same time as you'd plant your vegetable garden. This is usually mid-April through May. Dahlias should be planted in full sun except in areas of extremely hot climates. In that case, the dahlias only require morning sun. The tubers should be planted horizontally, eyes pointing up, 6 inches deep and 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.I recommend 40 to 50 percent shade cloth and raised beds for hot, humid sections of the country -- Example: Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama. Also, the dahlia grower should focus on smaller sized cultivators and avoid getting blooms during the hottest part of summer. With higher soil temperatures, the dahlias will need extra nitrogen. Fungus will be a big problem as well. Information gleaned from Alan A. Fisher, American Dahlia Society Soil Preparation You may wish to enrich the soil to a depth of 12 inches with bone meal, and a 10-20-20 fertilizer. You may also want to consider having your soil tested by the local Agriculture Department. The pH level should be slightly acidic 6.5 to 7.0. Staking Place stakes with tubers for the tall-growing varieties at the time of planting to prevent impaling them later. We recommend a 6 to 8 foot tall stake either 1x1 lumber, half-inch steel rebar (painted to prevent rust), or the green metal fence stakes available at the local hardware store. Dahlia plants usually grow quickly, and disguise the relative unattractiveness of these stakes. Watering Make sure dahlias receive at least 1 inch of water per week after planting. Most areas receive enough rain to meet this requirement. However, here in the Midwest that isn't always the case. And, if we don't water them, who's going to? Hand watering isn't going to be enough. A deep watering 2 to 3 times per week is required once the dahlias are established. During the heat of the summer in hotter climates, it will be necessary to water more frequently. |
| bannerflowrfarm.com All Rights Reserved 2008 |
----------------------------------
|
|
