Dahlia plants have double, 10 to 12-inch flowers, and are often grown in clumps. For best results, grow individual tubers instead of clumps. Slugs love dahlia flowers and tubers. When purchasing a dahlia plant, consider the soil type and moisture content.
Dinner Plate Dahlias have 10- to 12-inch-diameter double flowers
Dinner Plate Dahlias are tall and showy plants that produce double, 10-inch-diameter blossoms. They can grow up to 48 inches tall, and are one of the largest varieties of dahlias. They can also produce a succession of large blooms. These dahlias were developed during the Golden Age of Dahlia breeding, in the 1920s and 1930s.
Because the flowers are so large, Dinner Plate Dahlias need support, as they can be extremely heavy. You should purchase a flower support before the plants reach full size. These plants also need regular watering, especially when the days get hot. You can also grow them from tubers, although you should make sure you wash them thoroughly before planting them.
Dinner Plate Dahlias are easy to grow and will provide a great deal of color in your flower arrangements. The large, double-flowered blooms can fill a decorative bowl or large vase. They also need ample space to grow. They're best planted in the garden, and you should stake them as they get taller. If you grow them correctly, they'll make great cut flowers.
Individual tubers are better than clumps
It's not always easy to separate individual tubers from the clump, and it's important to remember to leave the stems intact. This way, you can easily lift the tuber out of its plant. You should also keep the tuber's tag to identify the variety. Many commercial growers will stamp a number on the tuber, but that's not necessary. You can also indicate good tubers by marking them with an *. After marking them, you need to let them dry completely before replanting them. The time needed for this depends on humidity and temperature. If the tubers are very wet, you can use some cement, which helps draw out the water and promotes shrinling.
The individual tubers are smaller, and it's better to save four-quarters of a clump than to cut individual tubers. Be sure that the tubers contain eyes, which will help the stem grow next year. This feature can be found on the collar near the stalk. A tuber that lacks this feature will not grow.
Slugs love to eat dahlia flowers and tubers
Dahlias are highly susceptible to pests, including slugs, which feed on the flowers and tubers. If you notice slugs in your flower beds or on your Dahlia tubers, you can use a variety of methods to control them. Some natural methods include enticing wildlife to your garden, providing food and water, and reducing the amount of chemicals you use. Read on for more ideas.
During the spring, you can use a balanced fertiliser to promote the growth of dahlias. However, if you plan to plant your Dahlia tubers, make sure you avoid nitrogen-rich fertiliser. Dahlias prefer a low-nitrogen, high-potassium mix, which will encourage larger blooms. Organic material is also important for Dahlias, so try to add plenty of organic material to your soil.
Digging out your tubers is not difficult, but it should be done with care. Digging out the tubers should be done by hand, leaving several inches between each. Afterward, pack the tubers in moistened peat moss, sawdust, or newspaper, and place them in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, you can wrap them individually in plastic cling wrap.
Ideal soil for growing dahlias
Dahlias grow best in well-drained, fertile soil. They also need a sunny location. Depending on the variety, you may need to stake your plants. Dahlias should be planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Dig a hole at least six inches deep, and make sure it is large enough to accommodate the root ball.
To improve the soil quality for your Dahlia plants, add organic matter, peat moss, or a compost mixture to your garden. These additives should be applied to the soil at least two weeks before planting. When it comes to fertilizing, it is best to use 16-16-16, which contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Dahlia plants thrive in warmer soil, but you can also keep them in cool soil by mulching them. This will help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing. While mulching is helpful, keep in mind that it will keep your soil cooler and may also be conducive to slugs.