Characteristics of the distinctive features of the plant, tips for growing dahlias in the garden, recommendations for reproduction, disease and pest control, facts for the curious, varieties. Dahlia (Dahlia) is a plant that belongs to the numerous Asteraceae family or has another term - Compositae. Probably, there is no person who would not stare at the large heads of bright flowers that adorn our gardens and parks in autumn. This representative of the flora began its distribution from the Mexican lands, where the Aztecs knew about it. In this genus, you can count from 35 to 42 varieties and about 15,000 varieties. All of them are perennials, but they can also be grown as annual crops. European countries first learned about this flower at the beginning of the 18th century, when the first tubers were brought by travelers.
This flower has a scientific name in Latin thanks to the botanist from Spain Antonio Cavanilles, who thus immortalized the name of Carl Linnaeus's disciple Anders Dahl in 1791, who lived in the 18th century, therefore there is another forgotten name “dahlia”. For Russian-speaking peoples, the plant began to be called "dahlia" or "dahlia" from the surname of the German botanist Johann Gottlieb (Johann Gottlieb) Georgi (1729-1802), who was a famous traveler, scientist and professor at the Imperial Academy of Sciences and Arts. This term has been given to the plant since 1803 thanks to the botanist Karl Wildenov.
The roots of the dahlia are rather fleshy, with tuberous outlines and thin root processes. When grown in open ground, if the plant is not dug up, then it loses its entire aerial part, the stem dies off to the very root collar. Dahlia's stems can reach almost 2.5 meters in height. However, to date, the efforts of breeders have eaten away many undersized and even dwarf forms. The inside of the stem is hollow, but it itself is distinguished by good branching. Usually the stem grows straight up, its surface is smooth or rough under the toes.
Dahlia leaves with feathery, and often twice or three times feathery outlines. Only some specimens have simple foliage. The leaves on the stems are arranged in pairs with a length that fluctuates in the range of 10–40 cm. The foliage of the dahlia is characterized by pubescence, the density of which is different for different forms. The color of the leaves of the plant casts a rich green or purple hue.
The inflorescences have the contours of a basket, where reed flowers are located along the outer edge, barren, and inside on a kind of disc grow prolific, small with a tubular shape and different in saturation shades of yellow color or take on a reddish-brown color. The size of the inflorescences varies greatly depending on the variety, in diameter it varies in diameter from 5 to 30 cm. The wrapper at the inflorescence is cup-shaped, composed of 2-3 rows of green leaves, at the base they have splicing.
The color of the petals of reed flowers in dahlias is very diverse, but sometimes it can take on variegated shades. After the pollination has passed, the fruit ripens - the achene, filled with small seeds. If we weigh 1 gram of seeds and count their number, then it will be equal to 140 units. If you want to carry out reproduction by seeds, then this must be done up to a three-year storage period, since later they lose their germination.
On the territory of Russia, as well as many European countries, it is customary to grow the species - Changeable Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis). To date, a large number of its forms have been bred, and also its inflorescences are distinguished by the fact that their tubular flowers have acquired the form of reed, and the shape of the inflorescence has become almost spherical.
Dahlia amazes with its beautiful petals and multiple forms of inflorescences. Moreover, its flowering takes the period from mid-summer to late frosts, which is why the plant is so loved by flower growers in many countries. Yes, and in the care of the plant, the plant is not capricious, and even a novice florist can cope with it.
Tips for planting and caring for a dahlia in the garden
- Dahlia tubers preparation process. This time falls in April. The tubers are cleaned of dried out processes and places with damage, then it is recommended to fill all the cuts with brilliant green. After that, planting is carried out in boxes with peat or nutrient soil, so that the tuber above the surface is visible 2-3 cm. So dahlias are kept for up to 14 days at a temperature of about 18 degrees and good lighting. When the buds become visible, the tuber is cut in such a way that each of the divisions has such a bud and a part of the root collar. Often it can be divided into 5 parts. Delenki for some time still grow in the same container, and then, after cutting off the shoots on the sides, equal to 10 cm, they are planted in open ground. Cut stems are used for grafting and are kept in a highly shaded area with abundant watering. When they take root, they are transplanted to a permanent place in the flower bed. Such division and subsequent rooting of cuttings are necessary so that the dahlia does not degenerate, and the amount of material for planting increases. If this is not required, then the division is not carried out.
- Planting dahlia parcels on a flower bed. The planting process should begin in late spring or early summer, when morning frosts have passed. When preparing the hole, they are guided by the size of the tuber lump, its parameters should exceed 3 times the tuber itself (40x40x40 cm). All plant roots should be completely immersed in the soil and only 5–7 cm are left on the surface. At the bottom of the hole, manure (rotted compost) is first placed, then it is sprinkled with a layer of substrate so that the roots are not burnt. Then the tuber is laid and sprinkled with soil so that a couple of centimeters of the shoot remain under it. If the variety is tall, then you will need to install a support in the hole. After planting, abundant moistening with cold water is carried out, around the plant, the substrate is mulched with a layer of 5 cm of sawdust or crushed tree bark, which are mixed before that with peat or compost.
- General care for dahlias. To prevent the "attacks" of slugs, it is recommended to mulch all the soil nearby, and also relieve you of frequent weeding and loosening of the soil. This layer will prevent the substrate from drying out quickly on hot summer days.
- Watering. For the successful growth of dahlias, if the weather is dry, then moisten the soil every 3-5 days. But do not bring the soil around to waterlogging, as the tubers of "Dahlia" easily rot. If there are very hot days, then the plant can be helped by hilling after watering. Usually, in this case, the substrate is first raked away from the stems, then the soil is moistened and spud again.
- Fertilizers for Dahlia. The plant is recommended to be fed during the growing season every 14 days. In this case, an alternation of organic and mineral agents is carried out. The organics are: mullein infusion (diluted in a ratio of 1:10 with water), ammonium nitrate (15 grams of the agent is used per 1 m3), bird droppings diluted with water in a ratio of 1:20. When the first buds appear, you need to use superphosphate and potassium preparations - 30 grams are dissolved in a bucket of water per 8 bushes.
- Dahlia pruning. In order for the inflorescences to be of better quality, it is recommended to leave more than 3 branches on the bush, otherwise the flowers are formed in smaller sizes, and their decorative effect is reduced. Each peduncle should contain 1-2 buds. When the pepper flowers have grown, they need to be removed so that they do not interfere with the growth and formation of new buds. During the entire growing season, you should periodically cut off the branches growing on the sides, if the variety is tall. They are then used for grafting. In the case of small parameters in height of the dahlia (cactus or pompom) or if it grows in the form of a single bush, then such shoots are not touched.
- Storage of tubers. After the first frost, it is required to dig up the dahlia tubers, remove all the remaining leaves and shoots, leaving only 5-10 cm of the stem. The dahlia is dug in, keeping 30 cm from the stem, this will help cut off the elongated conductive roots. It is better to use a pitchfork for this. Then the tubers are washed from a hose with water, removing soil residues and dried. Storage is carried out at a temperature of 3-5 degrees with a humidity of 60-70%. The room where the dahlia tubers will be kept must be well ventilated. You can put them in a box with a layer of peat and sprinkle them with it or sawdust (sand). If it is noticed that the tubers have begun to dry out too much, then the top layer is slightly moistened.
Reproduction of dahlias in the open field
Dahlia reproduces:
- by dividing the tuber - it is important when dividing that there is a growth point with a root collar on each division;
- seeds are sown in seedling boxes or directly into the ground (if the frost has already passed);
- rooting the cuttings. Part of the stem should have 3-4 internodes. Landing in the sand using a mini greenhouse.
Dahlia disease and pest control
When growing a plant in a flower bed or in a garden, the two-tailed or fork-tailed is considered the most dangerous. The insect gnaws the buds. Treatment with celandine and wormwood tinctures are recommended. The next problem is slugs, which eat leaves and stems. They are harvested by hand or using drugs such as "Meta Groza".
Also, among the pests, aphids, whiteflies, cabbage scoops, plant bugs, deer, thrips or spider mites are distinguished. Insecticidal preparations are used.
If humidity and mustiness increase, then the plant is affected by powdery mildew, so you need to remove the lower foliage in the middle of summer. For the fight, it is recommended that treatment with fungicidal agents: Fundazol, Topaz, Skor or the like.
Dahlia also suffers from various fungal diseases and rot: gray (botrytis), white (sclerotinosis), brown rot, wet bacterial rot and others. In all cases, fungicide treatments will be required.
Interesting facts about dahlias
There are many legends that relate to versions of the emergence (for some reason) of the second name Dahlia. The first parable says that this flower arose on the site of the last fire, which was extinguished due to an advancing glacier. Thanks to the fireplace, the tubers were able to survive under a layer of kilometer-long ice and became a symbol of the victory of life.
The second legend is about a gardener named George who brought the plant out of the palace garden and presented it to his beloved. The cruel ruler found out about this and ordered the gardener to be imprisoned, where he died.
According to the third legend, all glory is given to the Russian navigator and traveler George, who was carrying an exotic plant from distant countries to his homeland. But stopping far from home, George told the local ruler about the miracle flower, and he was able to persuade him to give him the tubers of "Dahlia".
But if you do not refer to the legends, then it is interesting that the plant came to us from the territories of the American continent, from where the well-known potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke and tomatoes "take their roots". It is known that the Aztecs used the tubers of this flower for food.
Description of varieties of dahlia for growing in the open field, photo
- Simple - have one row of flowers, which open up to 10 cm in diameter, the height of the stem varies in the range 45–60 cm. It is customary to include the following forms: Yellow Hammer, with yellow flowers; Princess Marie Jose with pink petals; Orangeade with a reddish orange color.
- Anemonic. The inflorescences of such dahlias have one or more rows of marginal flowers, the shape of the central ones is tubular, elongated. The plant height can vary within 60–90 cm, the size of the inflorescence rarely exceeds 10 cm in diameter. The most common forms are: Vera Higgins with bronze color of petals; Lucy in mauve color; Comet - flowers of which are painted in a bright red tone.
- Collar. The height of the plant can reach from 75 to 120 cm. In the inflorescence there is only one row of reed flowers, on top of it follows a row of flowers of a different shade, shorter and with a twisted shape, which look out, giving the inflorescence a collar outline. The most popular forms are considered to be: Chimborazo - reddish with cream; La Gioconda - flowers of scarlet-golden color; Claire de Luna - flowers take on a yellowish cream shade.
- Peony. Such plants have inflorescences, varying in diameter from 12 to 15 cm. Rows of flattened reed flowers from two or more, tubular fertile flowers grow on the disc in the center. The height of the stems does not exceed 120 cm. Commonly grown forms: Fascination with purple flowers; Symphonia petals are colored crimson red.
- Decorative. Similar dahlias are: Jocondo - plants called "purple giants"; Thames Valley - flowers of which are painted in yellow color and have large sizes; David Howard are diminutive and orange in color. The inflorescences of all such plants have a double shape, and their diameter can vary in the range of 8–25 cm, while the stems rarely reach 60 cm in height.
- Spherical. These plants also adorn terry inflorescences with rounded outlines and slight flattening. The height of the stems can vary from 90 cm to 120 cm. The diameter of the inflorescence does not go beyond 8-15 cm. The most popular forms are: Doreen Hayes with red flowers; Esmonde - yellow inflorescences; Crichton Honey petals have a reddish-peach tone.
- Pompom. Flowers of this variety are distinguished by the outlines of a ball with a double shape. The diameter of the inflorescences can vary from 5 cm or more. The ligulate flowers are curled up and have a pointed or blunt rounded end at the top. The height of the stem reaches 90–120 cm. Among the forms there are: Noreen with pink petals; Hallmark has lavender-colored inflorescences; Willo's Violet with lavender flowers.
- Cactus. Such plants have a double shape, with an inflorescence diameter of 8 to 25 cm, but there are specimens with large sizes. In height, they can vary from 90 cm to one and a half meters. Ligulate barren flowers have curled outlines, narrow, with a pointed tip. The most popular forms are considered: Danny giant with a pink inflorescence, Pirouette with miniature flowers of yellow color; Visit is distinguished by large red inflorescences; Doris Day - small flowers of red color.
- Semi-cactus. The inflorescences have a double shape with a diameter of 8–25 cm. The height of the stem is equal to 90–150 cm. The marginal flowers are distinguished by curled outlines from the central part to the apex. The most famous are: Nantenan - a variety with large yellow inflorescences; Yellow Mood flowers of miniature size, bright yellow color; Autumn Fire is distinguished by its medium-sized orange hue; White Swallow flowers are small snow-white tones.
- Nymphae in structure they very much resemble water lilies, but with a double shape, the outlines are correct and beautiful. The diameter varies within 7–20 cm. The plant height can reach 70–130 cm. Distributions are of the following varieties: Brushstrokes lilac flowers; Gerry Hawk - inflorescences have a pale pink tone; Genette flowers with a snow-white color scheme.
- Mixed name varieties of dahlias that do not fit any of the above descriptions.
