How to Care for Dahlias to Bloom Vigorously
Today's tip on living a better life involves how to care for dahlias to make them bloom vigorously and a detailed explanation of the correct care methods for dahlias in the field of flowers. Let's delve into the introduction by the editor.
Dahlias, also known as dahlia flowers, are a species of Compositae native to Mexico, with a vast variety of species. It is said that there are over 30,000 species of dahlias worldwide. Dahlias also have another name, "Chinese peony," and from this name, it is evident that the flowers of dahlias are as large as those of peonies.
Common dahlia flowers have diameters of about 12 centimeters, and the colors are very rich, including red, purple, white, yellow, and various mixed colors. Moreover, dahlias have a long blooming period and bloom frequently, making them very popular among flower enthusiasts.
So, how to grow dahlias well? A set of dahlia care methods has been compiled by a wave of flower enthusiasts, and if you follow these steps, dahlias will grow vigorously, bloom frequently, and produce large flowers.
Soil
Dahlias have a strong adaptability and, being a Compositae plant, have simple soil requirements. Ideally, the soil should be loose, fertile, and well-draining sandy soil. For home potted plants, it is recommended to use peat soil, humus soil, or a mixture of coconut bran and garden soil, preferably with some river sand added, or珍珠岩 (perlite) as a breathable medium.
Watering
Dahlias prefer moisture and are not drought-tolerant, but the potting soil should not accumulate water, making soil drainage particularly important. Watering is needed when the surface of the potting soil dries to a depth of 2 centimeters. When the weather is dry, with humidity below 50% or even lower, it is necessary to spray water on the leaves frequently. However, reducing watering appropriately can control the height of dahlias, preventing them from growing too tall and affecting blooming. If you want to dwarf the plant, you can use a dwarfing agent, but it can only be used once in a growth cycle. Dahlias enter a semi-dormant state in summer, so watering should be reduced. In winter, they go fully dormant, and watering should be stopped to prevent root rot.
How to Care for Dahlias to Bloom Vigorously
Fertilizing
Dahlias love fertilizer, as such large flowers need nutrients to support them. During the spring growing season, it is recommended to apply a balanced compound fertilizer every 10 to 15 days. The specific amount should be adjusted based on the size of the plant. When the temperature exceeds 30℃ in summer, dahlias enter a semi-dormant state, and fertilizing should be stopped. After the blooming period, the plant will gradually enter a dormant state and does not require fertilization. In some places with suitable temperatures, there can be another blooming period in autumn, before which phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied.
Sunlight
Dahlias love sunlight and do not tolerate shade. Insufficient sunlight can lead to poor plant growth and poor blooming. It is best to expose them to direct sunlight for at least 8 hours a day to make the plants stronger and the flowers more colorful. For home potted plants, it is recommended to place them on a south-facing balcony. However, seedlings and summer require semi-shade care to prevent strong sunlight exposure. Dahlias prefer cool climates, with an optimal growth temperature of 10-25℃, and the winter temperature should be maintained above 5℃.
Pruning
Pruning dahlias is relatively simple. After winter, when the plant completely withers, just cut the top 8 centimeters from the ground. For routine pruning, just cut the withered and diseased leaves. Dahlias are herbaceous plants and do not require any special pruning.
Alright, that's all for the care methods of dahlias. I believe that after reading this, you must have a profound understanding of how to care for dahlias.
The above content on how to grow dahlias to bloom vigorously and detailed care methods for dahlias brought by the Green Plant Enthusiasts website can be used for reference by green plant enthusiasts.