2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Dahlia (lat. Dahlia) - popular flower culture; perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family.
Description
Dahlia - tuberous plants up to 2.5 m high, equipped with highly branched and erect stems. In the course of growth, tubers are formed on the roots of the culture in question, which absorb moisture and nutrients required for plant growth. The leaves of the plant are green or purple, ovoid, sometimes oblong, always dissected, less often whole, opposite, sitting in pairs, pointed at the ends.
Inflorescences in the form of baskets, consisting of small tubular flowers and large yellow, red, pink, purple and other colors of reed flowers. In diameter, inflorescences-baskets reach 40 cm, there are also small-flowered varieties. The fruit is an achene, contains flat elongated seeds that remain viable for three years. In its natural form, the culture is common in the mountainous regions of Guatemala, Mexico and Colombia.
Common cultivar groups
All varieties of the cult under consideration are divided into several groups:
* The group of simple plants is characterized by plants up to 50 cm in height, bearing large baskets with a diameter of no more than 12 cm. Ligulate flowers are single-row. Interesting enough species for cultivation. Especially popular is the Orangeade variety, featuring red-orange flowers.
* Anemiform group - characterized by plants reaching a height of 100 cm, bearing large inflorescences, consisting of several rows of marginal flowers. Of the varieties belonging to this group, Lucy, Vera Higgins, Comet, etc. can be noted.
* Collar group - the varietal group is characterized by plants reaching a height of 1, 2 m, bearing large inflorescences, consisting of one row of marginal flowers. Common varieties: Chimborazo, La Gionda, etc.
* Group of peony - characterized by plants reaching a height of 1, 2 m, bearing large inflorescences, consisting of two rows of marginal flowers. Of the varieties, it is worth noting: Simphonia (crimson inflorescences), Fascination (purple inflorescences), etc.
* Ornamental group - characterized by plants reaching a height of 1.5 m; flowers can be both small and large, consist of wide marginal flowers. Representatives of this group: Terpo (red inflorescences), Jocondo (purple inflorescences), David Howard (purple inflorescences), etc.
* Pompom group - a group of varieties is characterized by plants reaching a height of 1, 2 m, bearing small or large spherical inflorescences. Popular varieties: Willos Violet (lavender inflorescences), Hallmark (lavender inflorescences), Norren (pinkish inflorescences), etc.
* Globular group - characterized by plants reaching a height of 1, 2 m, bearing large double inflorescences up to 17 cm in diameter. Common varieties: Esmonde (yellow inflorescences), Crichton Honey (peach inflorescences with a reddish tint), Dorren Hayes (red inflorescences) and dr.
Growing conditions
Dahlias are light-loving plants, preferring well-lit or slightly shaded areas. In general, the crop is not demanding, but it grows best on loamy, mineral-rich soils. The plant does not tolerate wetlands.
Reproduction, planting, care
Dahlias reproduce by cuttings, root tubers, less often by seeds. Russian flower growers welcome the second method. A site for planting a culture is prepared in the fall, it is dug up, rotted humus and wood ash are brought in.
In the spring, holes are dug with a depth of 30 cm, the distance between which should be about 70-80 cm, they are treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and wood ash is poured onto the bottom. A week later, nodules are placed in the holes, the neck of which should go 4 cm below the soil surface, covered with soil, tamped and moistened.
The first 7-12 days after planting, the culture is moistened and loosened daily. In the second decade of July, the bushes are provided with support, podkuchit and apply mulch. Weeding, sanitization against pests and diseases, as well as the removal of lateral stems and faded inflorescences are regularly carried out. Top dressing is carried out 2 weeks before flowering; full mineral fertilizers are perfect for this purpose.
Collecting tubers and storing them
Despite the fact that dahlias are perennials, in regions with cold winters, they are dug up every fall. Usually this procedure is performed in the third decade of September - the first decade of October. First, the stem of the dahlia is cut off, leaving a stump up to 12 m long, which is sprinkled with charcoal. Tubers are dug out with a pitchfork, then they are dried, cleaned from the ground and placed in boxes for storage.
Recommended:
Autumn And Dahlia
Dahlias flaunt against the background of an autumn flower garden. Five lavishly flowering shrubs will replace fifty shrubs of annuals that have gone on winter vacation. A single bush, planted in the background of the mixborder, creates a bright spot of color, be it white, red, orange or any other color. But the nights of stable low temperatures are getting closer and closer to the garden, recalling the digging of root tubers. Timely and correct digging will help to better preserve root tubers in winter
Dahlia Is Volatile
Of course, we are talking about the plant, which in Russia is called "Dahlia", and not about the speaker of the Israeli Knesset named Dalia Itzik. Although the life story of this wonderful woman, mother of three children, is worthy of attention. But we are not fond of politics, but prefer to be engaged in decorating the Earth by growing ornamental plants, berries and fruits, vegetables and herbs. This not only turns our place of residence into Paradise, but also provides an essential vitamin supplement to our diet
