Dahlias: planting and care in the open field, how to grow

Professionals know a lot about dahlias, as well as the planting of these flowers and the conditions for caring for them in the open field, quite a lot. The nuances of planting relate to the choice of location (private plot, park, garden farm) and climate zone. Flowers grow in cold climates (Siberia, Urals) and warm areas. Dahlias have a short growing season, which is an absolute plus, which allows them to be cultivated in various temperature conditions - from the Central Strip of the Russian Federation to the Caucasus.

Description and characteristics of the flower

The plant belongs to the extensive family of Asteraceae or Compositae. The scientific name - dahlia (Dahlia) - comes from the name of the famous Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.Cultivated in gardens and parks, dahlias are nothing more than a cultural hybrid obtained after the painstaking work of enthusiasts, multiple interspecific crosses.

Wild plants grow in Central and South America, they are very different from their descendants. More than 15 thousand species of dahlias are known in the world. According to characteristic features, groups of flowers (about 10) are formed.

The plant is perennial. The roots form a tuber. The stem of the dahlia is even and straight, rising to a height of up to 2 meters. Leaves with a dense structure, dark green (rarely purple) hue. The flowering period of the plant falls on August-September, so dahlias are a frequent and welcome guest in autumn bouquets and compositions.

Dahlia inflorescence basket-shaped, flower petals look like tongues. With the onset of frost, the plants are removed from the soil, the stems are separated from the tubers and stored in a cool, dry place.There are also "annual" flowers - these are those grown from seeds. The division is conditional, since in autumn dahlias form tubers, which serve for subsequent planting, plant propagation.

Types of dahlias

There are several tens of thousands of species of flowers, therefore, in order to somehow understand this diversity, we decided to divide the plants into groups according to their appearance and signs. Botanists distinguish the following types of dahlias:

Plain (non-double).
Anemone-like.
Collar.
Pionoid.
Decorative.
Spherical.
Pom pom.
Cactus.
Semi-cactus.
Nymphaeum.
Mixed.

In addition to the above, there may be other varieties, since the family is very extensive, constantly updated with new species.

Single row

Common (simple) varieties known as Dahila Single. They are determined by tubular petals (of which there are more), and along the edge there are a number of false-reed ones. They have well-known representatives that are popular - the Dutch variety Happy Kiss, with bright orange buds, a large inflorescence 100 millimeters in size. At the same time, the bushes in the planting are small, not higher than half a meter.

Another characteristic specimen belonging to this type of dahlia is Romeo. It is rich red, up to 55 centimeters high, slightly darker in the center. Bronze hue leaves.

Anemones

Introducing the following group of semi-double or anemone dahlias. In the inflorescence, 2 rows of reed petals are clearly distinguished. In color, they are both monochrome and with a contrastingly colored middle. There are low and tall dahlias, respectively, the height ranges from 20 to 80 centimeters.

Cactus

The inflorescences of these dahlias are formed by numerous "needles" - tubular petals thinned at the end. In general, the flower resembles a cactus, hence the name. The color range is wide - from plain to multi-color lush terry buds. The most common representatives of the species are Acapulco, Cherio, Lemon.

Semi-cactus

Considered interspecific filling between cactus and ornamental dahlias. The inflorescence of the plant is terry, with wide petals that are folded at the base and form a characteristic tongue. Species - Mick's Peppermint, Aspen. Dahlias reach a height of up to 130 centimeters, the size of a bud is up to 200 millimeters.

Globular

With this variety of dahlias, everything is relatively simple: the inflorescence forms the correct shape of the ball. The petals are wide, dense, wider at the end than at the base. The ends may be slightly rounded. The size of the "ball" - up to 200 millimeters. Famous representatives - Rocco, Noreen, Little Robert.

Nymphaeals

Beautiful, gracefully formed plants belong to the group of terry, and look like water lilies. The size of the bud is up to 200 millimeters, the height of the bush reaches 10 centimeters.

Pom pom

The ball-shaped inflorescence resembles a fluffy pompom with petals folded into a tube. Bud size - from 5 centimeters or more. Dahlia bushes are medium tall, up to 120 centimeters tall. Known varieties are Hallmark (lavender), Willo's Violet (lilac) and Noreen (pale pink).

Collar

The outer row petals form a distinctive "collar", often joined by shorter and differently colored lobes. There are combinations of scarlet and yellow (La Gioconda), cream with golden (Claire de Luna) or red tint (Chimborazo). The size of the inflorescence of plants is up to 100 millimeters, with a plant height of about 120 centimeters.

Decorative

Differ in small, graceful inflorescences, although there are also large ones (up to 250 millimeters in diameter). Dahlia bushes are undersized, up to 60 centimeters. Species common in garden plots are David Howard orange, Thames Valley golden, Jocondo purple.

Mixed

An extensive group of plants that, for some reason, do not fit into the standard classification. It can be a color (black-red, almost uniform dark) or a shape. More often, some rare hybrids are mixed, in which breeders seek to combine many qualities. So, for many years, attempts to breed a blue dahlia remain unsuccessful.

Reproduction

Having briefly studied the variety of plant varieties, gardeners begin to wonder quite reasonably how to propagate this miracle, which is necessary for planting.The options are as follows - cuttings, tubers or seeds. Each of them has unique advantages, which will be discussed below.

By cuttings

The appearance of green cuttings in dahlias, which serve as the basis of the method, is preceded by planting tubers. Pre-prepared seed is placed in pots with a substrate and begin to wait. After 14-21 days, the shoots should rise to a height of 80-100 millimeters, this is enough to get cuttings.

They work in 2 ways: cutting the stem at the base or breaking it out with a piece of the tuber. Preference is given to thick, strong trunks - they have a higher chance of success. The cut is made immediately below the leaf node, about 3-5 millimeters from the petioles. If you work carefully, then there will be enough material for petioles with a heel, and for planting dahlia tubers.

Dividing the tuber

To “save” on planting material, you should divide the dahlia tuber into several parts.It is desirable that a pair of kidneys remain on each segment (one is not enough, but it will also do). With weak kidneys, it is allowed to take a fragment of 2-3 articulated nodules. You can divide and cut the rhizome in half, observing the specified conditions. The knife must be cleaned and disinfected so as not to infect the plants.

Fit features

Growing he althy, beautiful flowers is difficult, but real. To do this, they determine the timing (spring, autumn), the method of planting and wait for the right moment. It is necessary to prepare the soil in advance, as well as supports - they will be needed by growing plants. It does not hurt to worry about fertilizers, but only within reasonable limits. It is good if the future landing site is not in the shade - sunlight is important for dahlias.

When to plant dahlias?

The specific planting time depends on the climatic conditions, the chosen method, and the grower's experience.In the spring, in the first or second decade of May, dahlias are planted by dividing the tubers, when the soil has already warmed up enough. Even earlier planting is allowed, but there is a risk of destroying the plant if it is not protected from frost.

In autumn, the bushes that have grown stronger are prepared for wintering (if it is not planned to dig them out for tubers). For this, hilling is carried out by 150-200 millimeters to protect against freezing. With a known deep landing, this procedure is not necessary.

Preparation of planting material

To grow he althy and strong dahlias from seeds, you will need:

Prepare the seed bank.
Provide fertilized, sufficiently loose soil.

Dahlia seeds are large and easy to plant. You will need seed boxes or trays in which future garden beauties will grow.The earth mixture is prepared from soil, humus (compost) and river sand. It is very important that the substrate is permeable to moisture and air, moderately loose. He althy, strong seeds are preferred, with no signs of disease or pest damage.

Choosing a landing site

There are 2 options: planting in open ground or indoors, for seedlings. When planting in rows, the rule of an interval of 3-4 centimeters between seeds is observed. Shallow planted material is sprinkled with soil and covered with a film.

For dahlias, the temperature and humidity conditions are important: warm - up to 25 degrees, with regular ventilation to avoid the occurrence of fungi. In a week, sprouts are expected to appear. Then the boxes are moved to a sunny place (the film is removed). For dahlias, planted immediately in a flower bed, choose a lighted place with well-fertilized soil. Land preparation can be done in advance, in the fall, in order to start planting in the spring.

Open ground planting technology

It is not difficult to plant ready-made dahlia seedlings in open ground, subject to certain recommendations. The soil should be fertile, the place should be lit and protected from drafts. Usually transplantation is done at the end of May, when it is already warm enough.

Dahlia seedlings are carefully transferred to the beds, trying not to damage the roots and stem, immediately install supports for support (especially for tall varieties). With tuberous propagation, the size of the fossa is chosen at the rate of exactly 3 times the underground part of the plant (approximately 40x40x40 centimeters). It remains to provide plants with top dressing, care, and getting a beautiful flower garden is provided.

Plant care

"Maintenance" of the dahlia includes fertilization, garter support and pruning. This includes watering (regular, but not excessive), loosening, weeding and mulching.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, dahlias are fed twice a month. Fertilizers - organics, minerals. Bring them in turn, without mixing. Cow dung diluted with water works well (1 to 20). Ammonium nitrate is added at the rate of 15 grams per square meter. After pecking the first buds on plants, they switch to superphosphate, potassium complexes (aqueous solutions).

Support

Dahlias have fragile stems, so they need strong support. It can be tapestries, racks, pipes driven into the ground. Sometimes it is possible to save even a broken stem by placing a tire on it from a twig or a flat plank. The plant cured in this way begins to bloom like a he althy one.

Cutting

Dahlias are recommended to be cut in order to properly form their crown, to control the growth of the plant. When growing from a tuber, a couple of shoots are usually left, removing the rest.With a cutting form, the presence of a single stem will be sufficient. Although sometimes, to make the dahlia bush look more presentable, pinch the top, getting 2 stems.

Large-flowered forms of the plant are processed differently: side shoots growing from the sinuses (stepsons) are completely cut off. This is done so that developing sprouts do not slow down the development of inflorescences, do not jam the central trunk. Pinching is used regularly - as soon as the dahlias have been planted, and before the buds begin to set.

Pests and diseases

Dahlias are prone to diseases and can also be affected by pests, so growers must be knowledgeable about managing symptoms.

Spots on the foliage - a consequence of insufficient ventilation, excessively frequent planting of bushes. They begin with yellowish-green formations, gradually turning into a brownish-gray tone. First, the damaged areas are removed, and then the bush must be treated with fungicides.As a last resort, the dahlia bush will have to be destroyed so as not to harm neighboring plants.

White rot (fungal form) affects growing and adult dahlias. The reason is usually hidden in the wrong choice of planting depth. It is treated with Fundazol, Gamair, and other drugs of the fungicidal group.

Crawling and flying insects attack plants - caterpillars, butterflies. Both mechanical destruction of pests (with small amounts of damage) and insecticide treatment are used.

Especially dangerous aphids, arranging their colonies on many garden plants. Damaged leaves are cut off and burned, the remaining parts are sprayed with pesticides. Prevention will greatly facilitate the fight against pests and diseases. It includes regular inspection, destruction of local lesions.

Dig up tubers

In autumn, perennial dahlias are dug up for tubers. Do this carefully so as not to damage the underground part. It is believed that a long stay in the ground (until the first frost) contributes to the formation and preservation of the tuber.

First cut the stems of the plant. Do this with a sharp knife or secateurs, then close the cut to prevent contact with moisture. Before starting work, dahlia bushes must be identified; in the future, after cutting the stem, it will become problematic to determine the species and varietal affiliation of the tuber.

Before excavation, the tuber is dug in from 4 sides, then taken out together with a clod of earth. Next, the remnants of the soil are washed off, the rhizome is allowed to dry to ensure safety for the winter.

Storing dahlias in winter

Labeled, sorted by types of tubers plants are transferred for storage.How exactly to store dahlias before planting - after waxing, in the sand, after drying them before that in vermiculite or in another of the hundreds of existing methods - the gardener decides. The main condition is the temperature in the range from 0 to 10 degrees, the average humidity.

Growing problems

Beginner growers face various difficulties associated with the development of a new species - dahlia. It is not always possible to achieve flowering, planting plants are attacked by pests and viruses, and may die due to waterlogging. Do not forget about the fragility of the stem, its susceptibility to damage under gusts of wind.

At the first signs of damage to dahlias by insects, diseases, urgent measures are taken - the destruction of damaged parts of the plant, treatment with chemicals.

Features of cultivation in different regions

In various climatic zones, dahlias are beginning to be planted in proportion to the local calendar. Tentatively, the plant is usually planted in May, but in cold regions, in the Urals and Siberia, this period is shifted to June.

After planting, dahlias need constant positive temperature, humidity and sunlight.

In the absence of one of these factors, the formation of the stem, buds, leaves, inflorescences of the plant occurs with a delay, and sometimes even slows down.