The Flower Journal: Dahlia
The Flower Journal: Dahlia
Here at The Flower Journal we take a look at a new flower every week. This week we are learning about Dahlias.
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Dahlia
Dahlia
Dahlias are vibrant and versatile flowering plants prized for their stunning blooms, which come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. With their intricate petals and long-lasting flowers, dahlias add beauty and charm to gardens, bouquets, and floral arrangements throughout the growing season. Some of my favourites include Café au Lait and the ball varieties, especially Salmon Joy.
Dahlias encompass a diverse group of flowering plants native to Central America, with over 42 species and thousands of cultivars cultivated worldwide. They vary in size, color, and flower form. Ranging from small pompoms to dinner-plate-sized blooms.
Dahlias are typically late bloomers, with their peak flowering period occurring in late summer and continuing through the Autumn months, making them valuable for extending the blooming season in gardens.
Dahlias are tuberous roots. They can be grown as an exact replica of the ‘mother’ plant by dividing the tuber and replanting. You can also collect the seeds from Dahlias and this will grow a new variety entirely.
You can dry Dahlias to use in preserved flower arrangements. They make a beautiful addition as they retain their colour.
Floriography is also known as the secret language of flowers. You can learn more about floriography here.
Dignity and elegance, Forever yours, Good taste, Warning of Change
Plant Type: Tuberous Perennial
Position: Full Sun
Sow in: Spring - early Summer
Height: 40cm
Spacing: 50cm
Days to Germination: Approx 14-28 days
Days to Flower: Approx 98 - 112 days
Dahlia buds will not open once cut, so harvest flowers at desired stem length when flowers are open or nearly open. Vase life is approximately 4 - 5 days.
Disclaimer
The growing guide is just that, a guide, and is meant to be taken as general information. This guide should work in a temperate climate but nothing is certain - especially with climate change altering our wet and dry seasons. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to know your garden. What’s your climate? How much direct sunlight does your garden get? Do you get a lot of rain or are you currently in a drought? Are you growing in containers or in the ground? What is your soil quality like?
You can chart your garden and test your soil, educate yourself on what makes a healthy garden, or just experiment and throw some seeds in then tweak as you go. It’s completely up to you.Please be sure to check that this plant variety isn’t considered a weed in your local area before you sow any seeds.
I’ve done my best to make sure this information is correct and up to date by cross checking multiple sources. If you feel that something is not quite right or you’ve found something to work really well in your home or garden - please let us know about it in the comments.
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