Dahlias are one of the easiest and most rewarding flowers to grow. One or more will give you a sense of achievement for the Summer and into Fall with a fantastic array of color.
Dahlias are of the Asteraceae family with Chrysanthemum. Sunflower and Zinnia. They come in many variations – pompoms, globe, spiky cactus and dinnerplate(growing to 5ft and flower up to15” in size) with a rainbow of colors.European explorers discovered dahlias on the hillsides of Mexico. They are still popular in Europe today. It is said that the tubers are edible, tasting like a cross between a potato and radish.
Nurseries always have the bright colored packages of Dahlias with other Summer bulbs. They are not a bulb but a tuber. The package will show you the type and color.When you open the package, you will find a bunch of tubers like a hand usually packed in peat moss. Now this time of year it will already show you its tip as sprouts will already be forming showing which is the top.
Dig a hole deep enough to allow the growth tip to be just above the soil and wide enough to spread the ‘fingers’. Adding bonemeal is a good idea. Cover and water well. It is that simple. When planting them make sure to space at least 3ft apart if possible.Slugs may eat them if they are grown too close together. Japanese beetles will burrow into the flower head and the best way to stop this is a stroll through your garden with a bucket of soapy water and pick them off the flower. Planting a group will give you a continuousdisplay until frost arrives.
Applying fertiliser with a low nitrogen level weekly will produce the best flowers.They are one of the easiest flowers for first time gardeners as they will be almost pest free. The leaves may get very small spider webs which is a sign of spider mites.A spray of 1 gallon of water, 1 tbsp baking soda and ½ tsp Dawn dishsoapshould be applied. This is good for powdery mildew and aphids on all plants.
As soon as the first flower has wilted deadhead it ‘cut it off’ as close to the next branchof the main stem. This will allow many more flowers to form. It can also be done when the first bud appears. This will give it a chance to branch from the base of the leaves on the main stem giving you a plant that looks like a bush.
As soon as frost arrives dig up the tuber and cut off the stem. Allow it to dry off, shake clean and place it in a paper bag with peat. Remember to write the color and type on the bag. Store it in a cool place and check periodically for mold. This is all you will need to do to plant again year after year. So give any dahlia space in your garden even plant one in a large pot with a few small annuals. Sit back and enjoy!
The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society has its main fundraiser – Annual Auction and Plant Sale on Tuesday May 31st at 5pm in the Lions Auditorium Tillsonburg Community Centre. Many plants, containers and hangers, trees and shrubs, $2 $5 $10 perennial table, vegetables and herbs, draw table and then the auction at 6pm. Come and check it out asthe money raised allows us to beautify Tillsonburg.
The Junior Gardeners Program is a ‘go’ this year. Don’t forget to enrol your children.For registration forms and details see Linda Fenn at Tillsonburg Garden Gate or check Facebook Tillsonburghorticultural.Coming on July 9th is ‘Garden Artistry 2022’ a Tour of Gardens hosted with Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre. Call for more information 519 842 6151.
The next monthly meeting is Tuesday June 7th@ 7.30pm in the Senior Centre, Tillsonburg Community Complex, speaker will be Maureen Cocksedge ‘Free plants from division’. Everyone welcome.
HAPPY GARDENING!