Introduction to the Dahlia
The dahlia, a summer dazzler in any garden is an object of beauty. It is largely grown from tubers and is treasured everywhere as an ideal garden ornamental.

Genus and History of the Dahlia
The genus Dahlia belongs to the family Asteraceae. It includes 35 species that are native to Mexico. The aster, marigold, sunflower and the zinnia also are members of this family. Popular belief hints that the Aztecs used the plant for medicinal purposes but factual history of the dahlia can be traced to the year 1570. King Philip of Spain sent Francisco Hernandez to Mexico to study the acquisition of the Spanish empire. Hernandez' associate sent home drawings of a plant that resembled the dahlia. In the year 1789, the Director of the Botanical Garden of Mexico City sent a sample of the dahlia plant to the Royal Gardens at Madrid. Jose Cavarilles, a staff member, succeeded in growing from this sample three new plant types, the Dahlia pinnata, D. rosa and the D. coccinea. He named the genus Dahlia after the Swedish botanist, Andreas Dahl. Mass cultivation of the dahlia began only about 150 years ago and since the 1800's, with the persevering efforts of horticulturists, nearly 50, 000 varieties of its hybrids are available.

Description and Popular Varieties of Dahlias
Dahlias grow about four to five feet in height. They have long stalks bearing disk and ray flowers as their flowering heads. This is typical of the wild species - the garden dahlia has small ray flowers. Dahlias bloom in an amazing range of colors but predominant are shades of yellow and red. Flower sizes vary from small buttons to blossoms as huge as dinner plates. Leaves are arranged opposite to each other and they are in a segmented, toothed and cut pattern.
Decorative dahlias are the crown jewels of the dahlia family. They produce huge blossoms that are double and their color spectrum is spectacular. The pompom dahlias are charming with their round and attractive flowers, as also is the free flowering water lily or the nymphaea with its small and dainty flowers. The bushy, dwarf, miniature border dahlias are only 40cms in height but they produce masses of single blossoms, just like the bedding dahlias.

Tips on Growing Dahlias

Climate for Growing Dahlias
Climates without late frosts and strong winds but with good amounts of sunshine and rains are suitable for growing dahlias.

Soil, Light and Water for Dahlias
Dahlias love a well -drained and slightly acidic soil, rich in nutrients. A month before planting, enrich the soil with generous amounts of rotted organic material, dried animal manure, and a good garden fertilizer. Keep the soil free of weeds. Hand weeding is advisable when dealing with dahlias.

A sunny location with 8 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for a good blooming season. In very hot climates, provide morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon.

The plant needs plenty of water. Only slight watering is recommended until growth is seen, but when it is well established and the climate is warm and dry, regular deep watering twice a week is needed. In hotter weather, more watering is necessary.

Fertilizing Dahlias
A low nitrogen level fertilizer combined with a high percentage of phosphorous and potassium is sufficient. Dahlias are averse to fish fertilizer, high nitrogen soluble water products and organic manure. Do not over fertilize.

Planting Dahlias
Plant dahlias when the danger of spring frost is over. Good months for planting are April through May for most places. Bedding dahlias can be raised from seeds. Sow seeds indoors in February or March and they will germinate in a week.

You may plant bedding dahlias 9' to12" apart, the smaller flowering kind about 2 feet away and the tubers of huge decorative dahlias three feet apart. Plant tubers horizontally 4-6'' deep and with their crowns just above the soil level. The tall varieties will require support once the stems gain height, so fix stakes into the ground at the time of planting. Dahlias grow well in pots too.

Growth of the Dahlias
For bushy plants and showy flowers, when plants reach a height of three to four inches pinch the terminal bud just above the third set of leaves. For a good blooming season, control pests like snails, slugs, earwigs and cucumber beetles with sprays like Malathion, Mitex and Bon Neem.

End of Season Care for Dahlias
After the flowering season is over and by mid November lift the tubers from the soil after cutting the stems to 6''. Wash the tubers free of soil, and air-dry them for a day. Then store them in crates or newspaper-lined cardboard boxes that contain a storage medium of slightly moistened peat moss, sand or saw dust. Keep the boxes in a cool dry area all winter and in spring prepare for another season of beautiful blossoms.

If you like Dahlias....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory