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Dahlia hybrida

Dahlias are among the most accommodating of all garden plants and can easily be grown virtually anywhere in the United States and Canada if the roots are protected from frost. Their blossoms, which come in every flower color except clear blue, range from miniatures less than an inch across to giants more than a foot in diameter; they bloom from midsummer until frost on stiff, erect stems 1 to 7 feet tall, providing constant color in the garden and superb cut flowers indoors. The plants grow from tuberous roots and die back each fall either from maturity in warm climates or from frost elsewhere. Modern dahlias are descended from several species native to Mexico, and are varied related to flower form and statue.      Named varieties of dahlias are sold by growers in three forms: root divisions, pot roots, and so-called green plants, which are young plants, 4 to 6 inches high, that have been grown from stem cuttings. A root division consists of a single root shaped much like that of a sweet potato, one end of which has been cut so that it contains a bit of the stem of the mother plant; from this stem end arise the buds that will form the stems of the growing plant. Pot roots are produced by the grower by letting stem cutting mature in small pots containing potting soil, in which they make tiny clusters of roots; such clusters have the advantage of having a number of buds and no cut surfaces, which are possible areas of decay. Generally speaking, however, root divisions are every bit as good as pot roots for the average gardener.      In Zone 10 dahlias may be planted in late summer for winter bloom provided no frosts occur. Everywhere else they must be treated as tender plants--planted in the spring, and dug up in the fall and stored in a frost-free location during the winter months. They like bright sunshine, but will do creditably in light shade if they receive at least 3 or 4 hours of sunshine a day; the more sun they get, the sturdier the plants will be.      Dahlias may be grown in any garden soil, but will do best in one that is rich in organic matter, phosphorus, and potash. Dig in compost, well-decayed manure or peat moss, and a fertilizer such as 0-20-20 at a rate of 5 to 6 pounds per 100 square feet.      Set green plants or pot roots in the garden as you would any plant. Root divisions should be laid on their sides in holes 7 inches deep and covered with 2 inches of soil; add more soil as they grow until the hole is filled. Space green plants, root divisions or pot roots 15 to 30 inches apart, depending on the size of the variety being grown. When the plants have become well established, feed with a complete garden fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, spread lightly and evenly, then scratched into the surface of the soil and well watered.      Most gardeners support the growing plants with stakes, set beside them as they are planted; some gardeners, especially in windy areas, simply pinch off the top of the stems to produce low-growing, stocky plants. When cutting dahlias for the house, dip the ends of the stems into an inch of boiling water for a second, or sear them with a candle flame. This will make the blossoms last longer without wilting. As an alternative, cut them in the early morning and immediately put the stems in 2 inches of hot water (100°) and allow them to sit for four to six hours before arranging them.      When dahlias have finished flowering in the fall, dig up the roots, allow them to dry for an hour or so, then put them into boxes lined with plastic and fill in around them with dry peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. In order to keep the roots from sprouting, store them in an area whose temperature will remain around 40 degrees during the dormant stage.      Dahlias may be propagated from root divisions or from stem cuttings. They also produce flowers the first year when grown from seeds; the dwarf strains are often treated as annuals. Seeds should be sown indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost is due.

	Dahlias 2000, 2 unnamed varieties purchased in a "mixed" bag.
	'Rembrandt', a compact variety with flowers that open cream but change almost immediately to a luscious warm pink with lighter edges.
	'Park Princess' ,a pure pink double and a beauty with tightly rolled petals.
	'Bluesette', a lilac dahlia which is excellent for borders and pots since it is not very high.

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Site launched January 1, 2000. Site updated September 1, 2007.

[CyberSalad] [Garden Pursuits] [Garden Quotes] [Garden Journal] [The Language of Flowers] [Monthly Chores] [Garden Poetry] [Zone Maps] [First/Last Frost Dates] [Trees] [Ground Covers] [Fruit/Berries] [Water Garden] [Gardening Links] [Vegetables] [Lawn] [Raised Beds] [Bulbs, etc.] [Shrubs] [Perennials] [Annuals] [Herbs]