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Free Information on Growing Dahlia
Dahlia is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This bushy and tuberous plants is native to the Mexico and Colombia. Dahlia has over 36 species. They are usually grown for decorative purposes in the garden. The Aztec people from Mexico has grown dahlia to be used for food and decorating the hair. The long dahlia stem can be made into small pipes.
Dahlia can do well in zones 7 – 11. Dahlia likes full sun and sandy soil that is well drained. If you have clay soil, you can add peats to loosen the soil. Pruning the plant will encourage it to produce larger blooms.
Dahlia is a tuberous plant and will grow back the blossom in the next year. The flowering season is during the summer. The large variety can reach the height of 6 inches. Border dahlia varieties are suitable for making flower arrangement.
After the frost has passed, you can plant the dahlia bulb. It is best if you plant dahlia bulbs along with other flower bulbs including tulips, and crocus. If the soil is wet, it can cause the tubers of the dahlia to rot. After the ground is dry, you can dig a hole of 12” in diameter and 12” deep. After digging the hole, you can add the composts including dolomite, lime and bone meal. You should plant the tuber horizontally and the eyed pointed ends should face upwards. If it is a tall variety, you must put some stakes near the plants to support it. The tuber should be covered with 2 inches of soil. To maintain a healthy growth, you must water the tuber thoroughly. If you see some sprouts, you must as the dirt. When the dahlias have fully bloomed, it will need a lot of fertilizers and frequent watering. One month before the dahlia plant boomed, you should fertilize it.
Dahlias can be planted as a seed plant. The seed plant should be planted 7 weeks in ahead of the time you wish to plant them outdoors. If you plant from seed, you can use the dwarf varieties for bedding plants. The dwarf varieties are available in different colors and form a hybrid garden. The seedlings should be spaced 1 inch apart. When the sprouts have grown to a considerable height, you can transfer them into a pot and cover with soil. After they have grown bigger, you can move them into the garden.
After the first year, the plant will produce tubers which can be cut and replanted. If the site has a warm climate, the tuber will be left on the ground. During the winter, the tubers must be thinned out and kept in a dry place at a temperature of above 50 Fahrenheit. However, it is preferably stored at a temperature of 40 Fahrenheit. The tubers can be dug up by using a fork and gently lifting them out. The tubers must be stored in a dark room with out the window blinds shut. You can check the tubers every now to make sure it has no signs of rot or mold.