Annual dahlia cultivation and care

To date, an effective decoration of the site are annual dahlias. Growing them will not cause much trouble. These flowers are very popular among gardeners. And this is quite understandable. Plants have colorful and bright flowers, which are very similar to perennial dahlias. In addition, all their species have a long flowering period.

Dahlia is a perennial or annual plant with a tuberous root system belonging to the family of Compositae. Homeland of this wonderful flower are the countries of Mexico, Chile and Peru. In ancient times, Indians often grew a plant because of edible tubers. In Europe dahlias appeared about 410 years ago.

The height of the plant is from 25 to 65 centimeters. They are characterized by abundant branching, pinnate and large leaves. Coloring the flowers is diverse: from pastel to bright colors. The flowering period of the plant is prolonged from the beginning of the summer and until frost. Dahlias will look beautiful on flowerbeds, along roads and on lawns. Growing annual dahlias can be done at home, for example, on the balcony or in special boxes.

Popular types and varieties of dahlias

The most popular varieties of dahlia are:

• "Funny guys" - plants have a height of up to 90 centimeters, flowers are not large, large;
• "Minion mishung" - the plants have a height of about 48 centimeters, inflorescences are non-primary, medium-sized;
• "Rigoletto" - the plants have a height of up to 48 centimeters, inflorescences half-marble, small.

In the autumn, annual dahlias form tubers.

Annual dahlias. Cultivation and planting

Annual dahlias should be planted in the ground after the end of the spring cold. Place them in warm and bright places. Make sure that the soil is fertile and loose. After landing in the open ground, in the early days provide the plant with abundant watering, then water moderately.

In order for the flowering period to be long, pinch the main shoots and remove the flowers that have already faded.

Annual dahlias. Cultivation from seeds.

Cultivation from seeds was previously allowed only if new varieties were required. But at the present time, the reproduction of this plant can occur in a seeded way, while the varietal qualities of plants are not lost. However, it will not be possible to divide such flowers with tubers in the future.

Cultivation of dahlias from seeds occurs by sowing in an open ground. The seeds of the plant are large. Seedlings can appear within 7 days after seeding. But remember that seeds and seedlings can die if the air temperature drops to minus one degree. Therefore, it is necessary to plant seedlings after the end of the spring cold.

Plant seeds can be harvested soon after the flowering period. In the maturing stage, the seeds will acquire a brownish-dark color. Cut the flower baskets in a ventilated and dry room, then clean from debris and pour into a paper bag. In this way, the seeds can be stored until the very spring.

If you have already planted annual dahlias, growing these flowers will be better if you regularly change their landing. To do this it is necessary so that on a former place of a plant got not earlier, than in 2,5 years. Also, do not plant the plants in places where the previous plants had fungal diseases. If the change of seats during landing is not possible, then the soil and soil should be replaced in those holes where dahlias will be planted. Make sure that there are no weeds around the flower. Try to weed as necessary. Once a week in the evening, spray plants, but avoid stagnation of moisture in the soil.

Many people appreciate and love annual dahlias: growing them for sale can be one of the ways to replenish the family budget.