Dahlias

Wow wee! There is nothing as lovely as going along to a flower show and seeing lovely lion-like heads of dahlias of all descriptions, colours, sizes, and shapes bobbing above all other flowers.

The Dahlia Society of NSW & ACT plans to have the 2021 conference from June 11th -- 13th 2021 at Gold Creek Tourist Resort, on the outskirts of Canberra. Fingers crossed that COVID-19 doesn’t put paid to these plans. Registration forms are available on the Dahlia Society of Australia’s website: http://www.dahliasaustralia.org.au

Gardening Australia recommends the following tips for growing these luscious blooms:

Dahlia growing tips:

• Dahlias prefer a cooler climate without heavy frosts – tubers will rot in frozen soil over winter, so you get around this by lifting them every winter and storing them somewhere dry.
• Dahlias prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Dahlias enjoy regular watering and spray water under leaves as well to remove any insects.
• Dahlias can be nourished via seaweed solution, soil conditioner and fish-based fertiliser, sprayed onto the top and underside of their foliage.
• Snails and slugs are a problem when flowers are young, so be on the alert for these pests.
• You need to divide dahlia clumps to get more flowers

Year-round schedule for showing:

• In spring take tubers out of store (or lift) and divide them up; there might be 10-30 new tubers attached to original one.
• Plant a single tuber in the spring, making sure each has an eye.
• Lay them on potting mix to see if they start to shoot to check they’re still viable.
• Once shooted, plant one on either side of a stake for support.
• After six pairs of leaves, nip off tip bud to avoid getting a single stem with a single flower.
• If growing a large flower, allow 3-4 laterals (side shoots) – for smaller flowers allow 6-9 laterals.

Method for Pruning:

• As dahlias finish flowering, remove the top third of growth to send more energy back to tuber.
• As the plant yellows and starts to die down, remove another 1/3 of the growth.
• When the bush completely dies off, cut back again leaving a small stub.
• Dig up the tubers to store over winter in all but the most well drained soils.

• Topics:

• Gardening