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HOW TO PLANT AND CARE FOR DAHLIA

Dahlias are one of the most extensively bred and varied species of the summer-flowering tuberous plants. They bear flowers that resembles chrysanthemum, and they comes in a wide range of warm colors, flower forms, and sizes that ranges from 2 inches to a foot in diameter. The one- foot-diameter flower is called dinner-plate-size flower. Dahlias grow from 1 foot to 7 feet tall. Although they are native to Mexico, the dahlias are adaptable to either short or long summer climates.

Plant dahlia tubers in spring as soon as danger of frost has past, after soil and air temperature has warmed or when the time is right for tomatoes, potatoes and corn. In zones 3 to 5, where climates are very cold, start the tubers indoors in pots in order to get early flowers. Except when summer is hot; full sunny spot is the best place to plant dahlias. When planting, lay the tubers horizontally with the growing point facing upward. Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil, leaving a small depression. As the dahlia shoot grow, gradually fill in around the depression with more soil until a very small depression remains to catch and hold rain water for the plant. Dahlias grow best in well-drained soil that is mixed with organic matter such as earthworm castings with live earthworm and compost. Space dahlias 2 to 3 feet apart for smaller plants and 3 to 5 feet apart for larger plants.

EARTHWORM SOIL CONDITIONING

Dahlias grows best in soil that are conditioned by earthworms’ activity on sufficient quantities of organic waste products such as compost heap from shredded leafs, aged farmyard manure such as cow or other four-legged animal manure, chicken or poultry dang mixed with shredded straws, or a mixture of both. Humus produced from the above by the earthworms are considered the best growing medium on earth. The presence of some earthworm around the plant will constantly rejuvenate the soil for seasons to come.

Dahlias grows well in between a slightly acidic to a slightly alkaline soil of pH of between pH 6 to pH 7. The ideal pH for Dahlias is around pH 6.5 which is slightly acidic. The pH of 7 being neutral, pH numbers higher than 7 are considered alkaline or basic and pH numbers lower than 7 are considered acidic.

If the soil is too acidic with pH below pH 6, it will need adjustments by application of lime into the soil. Lime comes in different forms such as Dolomite, Chalk, Calcium Oxide, Calcium hydroxide, etc., Calcium Oxide (CaO) is initially a hard like a stone but will crumble to a dust like appearance after it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. The dust-like form is known as hydrated lime or calcium hydroxide or slaked lime [Ca(OH)2]. Calcium Hydroxide is caustic, requiring care in application. Chalk (CaCo2) is an easier and safer alternative for adjusting acidic soil to a near neutral, Dahlia loving pH of pH6.5.

Sprinkle limes over the surface and work it into a depth of 20 cm. Keep the soil moist for at lease a month, after which manure and fertilizers can be applied to prepare the ground for planting Dahlia.

GROWING DINNER-PLATE DAHLIAS

How to grow eye-popping, huge, dinner-plate size Dahlia flowers or bloom? It is actually not that hard; first, look for the largest flower bud on each stalk, then pinch out or nips off the buds that are on either side of the stalk then pinch out any side shoots that come out of the main stalk.