The garden dahlia is a beautiful name for a beautiful flower. Dahlias bloom in different shapes, colors, and sizes, and when grouped, they create the colorful distraction that every space needs. You’ll find them in innumerable species, and they all offer something for flower lovers with different tastes and preferences. 

Dazzling Dahlias: Tips for Growing Colorful Dahlia Pinnata Varieties

Whether you’re looking for a two-inch lollipop-style pompom, a fifteen-inch dinner plate, or something in between, you’ll find them all amongst this flower species. While the result is beautiful, growing dahlias may be challenging, especially if you don’t know much about the flowers. 

But worry not! These tips will help you grow the most colorful dahlia varieties: 

Space

Growing dahlia tubers rightly will result in the sprouting of the most beautiful flowers. As there are large dahlia species, giving them sufficient space to grow allows them to bloom up to three feet wide. When cramped up, your flowers won’t bloom. Don’t forget to water your dahlias regularly since they need lots of water to thrive. When treated right, dahlias are excellent, long-lasting flowers. 

Light

Should you expose dahlias to the hot sun, they will stop blooming and often wilt. Most species need only a considerable amount of sunlight. Dahlias with big flowers are the most heat-sensitive. If you live in very sunny climates, shield your dahlias with a polythene shade cloth or beach umbrellas since they will block half the sunlight. These flowers grow best in light, afternoon shade. 

Soil

Colorful dahlia pinnatas will do well in well-drained, organic, loamy, and sandy soils. Creating the perfect compost for your soil means combining leaves and mushroom compost. When grown in good soil, dahlias don’t need a lot of fertilizer. However, you’ll need to constantly fertilize them in soils that don’t have the right amount of phosphorus. The rule of growth is simple: the more you feed your dahlias, the more abundant and colorful their blooms will be. 

Water

Dahlias are sensitive to overwatering. When you water dormant roots after planting, they tend to rot. Wait until sprouts show aboveground to water the flowers successfully. Afterward, water the flowers to the roots only when they look wilted in the morning before the sun hits them, once or twice weekly. Don’t leave the soil dry. 

Temperature and Humidity

Unlike other flowers, dahlia pinnata varieties have a tricky temperature chart. As they don’t like hot summers, dahlias are challenging to grow in hot climates and, thus struggle in tropical and coastal climates. Successful growers plant tubers after the final spring frost passes. When moving them indoors during winter, keep the flowers below 60°F. 

Fertilizing

Planting dahlia pinnata varieties means using a little fertilizer, but you’ll compensate for poor soil. However, fertilizing within the first 30 days of planting tubers promotes growth. The more you fertilize, the more blooming you should expect. Don’t fertilize over the winter when temperatures drop. Fertilization promotes growth, so don’t force your flowers to grow during dormancy. 

Pruning

Daliah pinnatas need a specific type of pruning. Pinch the flower tops whenever three sets of branches appear. It helps in creating a fuller plant. When blooms fade, deadheading dahlias encourage new growth. A sharp tool will help you make clean cuts. When your blooms emerge, restricting growth to three to five flowers will allow each flower to gain the necessary nutrients. 

Potting and Repotting

April and May are good planting months, spacing your tall selections to five feet apart and your small selections up to two feet apart. When planting dahlias in pots, ensure they have enough room without the need to move them to a new pot as they bloom. Drive garden stakes to the bottom of the container to help tall plants stay upright. 

Protection From Plants and Diseases

Dahlias are relatively susceptible to pests. Spider mites, slugs,  caterpillars, and earwigs are pests to look out for. Slugs are the most destructive as colorful dahlias grow as the leaves are more tender. Pruning, maintaining healthy blooms, and using insecticidal sprays and soaps will deter pests and protect your flowers. 

These tips will leave your dahlia pinnata varieties looking healthy and as colorful as can be. Putting in the right amount of effort early on will leave you smiling in the long run! 

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