Have you heard of dahlias? These pretty Mexican plants are perennial vegetables that are very easy to grow. In addition, they are distinguished by the long duration of their flowers, which can delight our eyes from early spring to late autumn. Note that it is a bulbous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. So that you can enjoy these precious vegetables at home, we are going to explain how to plant dahlias
It must be said that there are more than 16 different types of these flowers, so varieties of different colors, heights and sizes can be found. But, generally, dahlias have large flowers with intense colors and their height varies between 30 centimeters and one meter. So these precious plants They are ideal for making floral arrangements and for decorating our garden or home. In this article we will tell you when and how to plant dahlias step by step.
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When to plant dahlias?
Before explaining how to plant dahlias, it is important to know when to do it. These bulbous plants bloom in summer. So that they can do it, we should plant them in the spring. Once its season is over, in autumn, you can collect your bulbs and keep them. This way we can replant them the following season. To do this, you must first prune the aerial part of the plant and clean the bulbs well. To preserve them, it is best to store them in a cool, dry, dark place, wrapped in silica sand.
A good tip to be able to enjoy these beautiful flowers for longer is plant the bulbs in a staggered manner from February to the end of May. That is to say: Do not plant all the bulbs at the same time, but distribute them throughout these months.
How to plant dahlias in the ground?
Now that we know the best time to plant these flowers, let’s see how to plant dahlias. First of all, it is important to note that, although quite resistant to low temperatures, these bulbous they do not do well in cold soils. For this reason, it is essential not to plant them too early and to protect them properly from late frosts.
Given what we just discussed, it’s no surprise that it’s best to plant these beautiful flowers in pots first, then transplant them into garden soil, specifically an area where they get lots of sun. It should be noted that the soil must be fertile, rich in humus and well drained. Next, we will comment step by step on how to plant dahlias:
- Dig the hole: The hole should be slightly larger than the bulb and about six to eight inches deep.
- Insert the bulb: Once we’ve made the hole, it’s time to insert the bulb with the growth point facing up. Then you need to cover it with some compost and soil, which should cover it between two and three inches. It is advisable to add a little bone meal or compost when planting the dahlia.
- Water: When we have already covered the bulb, the next step is to water the soil without flooding it. It should be watered a little every three weeks or so.
- Cover the ground rods: As the stems emerge, we need to cover them with soil until they reach ground level. It should be noted that there are certain varieties of dahlia that can reach considerable heights. These will need the support of a stake. Then it remains only to take care of these beautiful flowers.
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How to care for dahlias
Once the dahlias have sprouted, it is important place them in a place protected from the wind and with a lot of sun. Irrigation should be done about three times a week, although this primarily depends on the weather. The best way to perform this task is to do it on the ground, avoiding wetting the flowers and leaves. In addition, it is best to always water at night. Given these aspects, it will be more difficult for them to be affected by fungal diseases.
How long does it take to grow a dahlia?
When we have already planted the dahlia, it It will start flowering after about eight weeks. Its beautiful, large flowers usually last throughout the summer season and even much of the fall. However, it should be noted that dahlias cut to make bouquets or adorn vases eventually wilt in five to seven days, or even sooner.
As you can see, planting dahlias is a very simple task that requires very little time. In addition, these flowers are very resistant and easy to maintain. If you like them, you have no excuse not to grow them yourself! So get to work, I’m sure you’ll love seeing these beautiful flowers in your home.