When is the best month to plant dahlias tubers
Regarding the best month for planting dahlias tubers and the methods and timing for growing green plants and flowers, here are the details:
After March, temperatures begin to rise, and it's time for planting flowers again. Dahlias, which are very popular, are suitable for planting in the spring, from March to April. Planting them at this time allows the tubers to germinate, and the plants grow vigorously. By summer, they will produce beautiful large flowers that are particularly lovely. Let's learn how to plant dahlias below!
Planting Time
Planting Soil
Dahlias are easy to grow and do not have high requirements for soil. When planting in the garden, using ordinary garden soil and fertilizing regularly can keep them growing vigorously. If planting in a pot, it's best to use some loose and breathable nutrient-rich soil, or mix some decomposed leaf soil with garden soil to make the growing medium. Since the capacity of a pot is limited, insufficient soil nutrients can make the plant grow weak.
Tuber Treatment
When selecting dahlia tubers, choose ones that are plump, with many bud points, and without scars or rot. These are more likely to germinate and grow stronger plants.
The dahlias tubers should also be treated simply before planting. If the tubers are too large, you can cut them into several pieces with a blade, then apply fungicide or wood ash to the wounds. Make sure each piece has healthy bud points, and wait for the wounds to dry before planting.
When is the best month to plant dahlias tubers
Planting Method
After preparing the growing medium, put it into the pot, then quickly plant the dahlia tubers in the potting soil, leaving the top of the bud points exposed. Gently press the surrounding soil and spray the soil with water to make it moist. Move the pot to a place with scattered light and good ventilation. In about 10 days, many young sprouts will grow from the top.
If there are many new sprouts, you can thin some dense ones for cutting when the young sprouts grow to about 10 centimeters, which will quickly grow new plants.
Watering Requirements
Dahlias are drought-tolerant but dislike waterlogging. During the period when the tubers are growing new sprouts, keep the moisture sufficient, frequently spray water on the young plants to keep the environment moist, and help them germinate and grow quickly. Once the plants have grown, do not let the potting soil become too wet or waterlogged, as this can affect root respiration, leading to root rot and yellow leaves. Water only when the potting soil is completely dry, and make sure to water thoroughly each time to avoid soil that is too wet or too dry.
Regular Fertilization
When planting dahlia tubers, you can mix some decomposed organic fertilizer into the bottom of the pot or the soil to improve soil fertility, which will help the young plants grow stronger.
After the plants grow larger, you can apply some dilute nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer. Before flowering, supplement the plants with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer a few times to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.