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Flower Display Page: Dahlia.

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Family description Dahlia.

Dahlias have been popular for so long they have been bred into an unbelievable selection of sizes, types and colours. Height will range from 20cm to 1.5metres so it is vital to check the height when buying. All too often, people are attracted by the picture without realizing just how big it will grow. The flowers vary in diameter from 5cm to 40cm so you are not spoilt for choice. Unfortunately, Dahlia plants are not hardy, and require attention during the winter months. While they may survive if left in the ground, this is risky. If the frost doesn't get to them, the cold damp soil usually causes rot, and if they survive even this, slugs often take residence within the tubers, slowly eating everything there is. Although there is a bit of work attached to growing these plants, they do make up for it by producing huge amounts of bloom, that just keeps getting better every week from the middle of June until the first frost kills all the top growth. If your garden is too small or you are unable to devote the time and care to over wintering the tubers, consider growing the bedding Dahlias as annuals. These will not produce such amazing flowers but will still be covered with flowers all summer long.

General care.

The first frost will turn beautiful flowering plants into a slimy black mess and this ends the flowering season. At this time, cut all the top growth down to about 10cm above ground. Try to cut the stems just above a leaf joint if possible. Dig the tubers out of the ground and stack them upside down in a frost-free place while they dry out. (Upside down prevents the hollow stems holding water or sap which would cause rot or mould). After leaving them to dry for a few weeks, they can be stored right way up or planted in pots. Really it is a matter of just storing them safely during the worst of the winter. Don't make them too warm or they will start to grow far too early. While the tubers are safely stored in their winter quarters, the flowerbeds will require a good forking over, removing all weeds and adding plenty of compost or manure. The more fertile the beds, the better the plants will grow next summer. To get the plants off to a good start, it is best to pot the tubers in pots by February and keep them slightly damp and a bit warmer. Check them over at regular intervals and as soon as new shoots appear, move the pot into the light but protect from frost. By mid April the tubers can all be planted out in the flowerbeds where they are to flower. Make sure they have plenty of room to grow. Any that have not started growing may need marker canes to prevent being stood on, and all large varieties will require some form of support once they grow to flowering size. during the flowering period, the dead flowers and seed heads will require removal constantly. Too many seed heads will reduce the number of flower buds produced. Dahlias suffer from two main pests. Aphids, particularly blackfly can be troublesome in late spring. spray with insecticide at the first signs of trouble or wait for the predators to gain control. Slugs and snails are a constant menace but the plants are extremely vulnerable in early spring when the new shoots are emerging above the soil level. Other problems are storm damage or damage from birds that are too heavy for the plant to support. Simply cut away any broken stems. Mice may eat the tubers while they are stored in the shed over winter. Check them over at regular intervals.

Notes on Toxicity or Culinary usage.

No toxic, culinary or medicinal properties known.

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Species description. Dahlia species.

Garden Dahlias have been heavily hybridised over the years to produce a supurb and continually growing range of flower forms and colours. Ranging from the small bedding Dahlia for the small border or containers to the extremely large plants for the bigger gardens with flowers the size of dinner plates.