Dahlias are sun loving plants, but they must have an adequate water supply and sufficient fertilizer to support their excellent growth potential. A well drained location is important.
Begin planting in the Vancouver area about mid April to late May. In other northern areas the Lilac bloom time is a good indicator of appropriate soil temperature. Dig a 5" (15 cm) deep hole about a foot (25 cm) wide and set a 3' (1 m) stake towards one side. Set the tuber on its side, with the growing shoot or eye close to the stake. Cover the root with soil, half filling the hole. When growth is well started tie the growing plant to the stake at 2' (.5m) and again as required to keep supported. Water whenever the plant shows signs of wilting. A thorough, deep watering is better than frequent sprinkling.
More blooms on a more compact plant will result if the growing tip is pinched out or removed when the Dahlia is about 1' (25cm) high. When flower buds form in their usual triads, pinch out the two side buds to give the center one all the nutrient and also a nice long stem.
These plants are not likely to survive a typical northern winter, so the roots must be dug up and stored in a frost free location. About November first is a good date here. Tuber Harvesting. Dig around the plant after cutting down the branches, and gently lift or pry the root mass out of the soil. Roots should be washed and stored whole, or divided into pieces. If divided, be sure that each piece has an eye or growing point and allow the cut surfaces to heal. This is called curing, and takes about 2 weeks of cool conditions in an area that is not going to cause excessive drying. Most growers store their divided roots in dry vermiculite or wood shavings in plastic bags, loosely closed. Keep as cool as possible without freezing.
Copyright © 1996 Wayne Holland
email to nospam_hydahlia@shaw.ca just delete the nospam part!