rent ’s take a break from the coldness , the slops and the just endlessness of January to appreciate one of the quintessential plants of summer : the Dahlia pinnata . To find dahlia in their native range , you would take to take a slip to the lush area around Mexico City — not a bad idea for January under any circumstances !
Dahlias ( Dahlia pinnata)are the home bloom of Mexico and boom in the well - drain , fertile soil of that region . Dahlias are related to northerly garden staples such as asters , zinnias and helianthus . Like their cousins , dahlias like Dominicus and they require a fairish amount of fertilization to thrive and bloom . The native plants are all singles but thanks to hybridizers , Dahlia pinnata come in a wide range of sizing , colouring and shape . ( Apparently , there are about 50,000 dahlia varieties . ) you’re able to find tiny - bloomed dahlias and many agriculturalist pride themselves on growing “ dinner party - plate ” dahlias , which can up to 17 inches across . The plants can grow up to 20 foot improbable , though most Dahlia pinnata are in the 2 to 4 foot range .
you may grow dahlia from seed or from root division , though root division seems to be most popular in Minnesota . The University of Minnesota Extension Service has agreat page on dahliaswith instructions on how to do either method . Because dahlia are heavy feeders , it ’s recommended that you prepare the garden bed where you plan to grow them with lot of compost or manure . Choose an area that get under one’s skin 6 hours of sun a mean solar day at a minimum . Dahlias also necessitate a fair amount of water and some additional low - nitrogen fertilizer during the time of year ( 5 - 10 - 10 is recommended ) . While dahlias like piddle , they do not need to be heavily irrigate in the springiness and they prefer well - drained soil .
Pests and diseases
Slugs , sadly , making love dahlias . You may need to go out out some slug bait or other mastery , especially as the dahlia come forth in former summertime . Dahlias are also prone to powdery mould and other fungal disease . Thiswebsitefrom the Pennsylvania State Extension Service put up a list of disease and control options .
Blooms
The best thing about dahlias is the flush , which can start out in June and last all the way until rime . Dahlias love to be skip for flowered arrangements and the more the blooms are cut , the more the plants will bloom . Many growers recommend abstract out the first center stalk to promote more branching and blooming . Thiswebsiteoffers tips on grow , pinch and picking Dahlia pinnata .
For more selective information on this plant , condition out theMinnesota Dahlia Society , which hosts a Dahlia pinnata show every year .
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