Dalia

Dahlia is a flowering plant from Mexico. Genus of about 30, 000 species with some 20, 000 cultivars. Plants come in a wide array of sizes/ forms from as low as 12 inches to as tall as 6-8 feet with flowers ranging from half-inch to giant sizes. The blooms are curvaceous, spiky with single or double forms. Colours range from white to red, orange to yellow, pink to dark purple and shades thereof. Dahlias last long as cut flowers.

Dahlias can be annuals which flower the first year from seed or perennials which take longer to mature and flower. It is easy to grow except in cold conditions or extreme hot dry weather.

Propagation and Planting

Dahlias can propagate or multiply from seeds, root division or cuttings. Single-flowered dahlias produce lots of seed. It is from seed that new varieties are produced. Seeds can be sown 1/2 inch deep in a well drained medium in a container, indoors or outdoors (in warm regions) usually during March/April. They need moist soil and indirect light. The seeds will sprout in 7-21 days. When the sprouts have two or more sets of true leaves (about five weeks) transplant them to three-inch pots and plant them outdoors.

To obtain a same variety of a particular dahlia, propagation should be done by cuttings or tuberous roots. Perennial dahlias are generally purchased as tuberous roots. Annuals, form tuberous roots the first year. These tuberous roots can be saved for use next year. In March or April divide the clumps of the tuberous roots with a sharp knife and take care that each division has a part of the crown that has a bud. The tubers can be planted horizontally with the eye upward (the new growth bud) 3 to 4 inches deep in light soil or sand and should be spaced 6 to 36 inches apart depending on the ultimate size of the plant. For tall plants, once the plant attains sufficient height, it can be secured loosely to a stake so that it stands steady.