Autumn garden decoration - annual dahlia flowers
Most varieties of dahlia are grown as perennials, but today, thanks to the work of flower breeders, a wide variety of annual flowers has appeared.
Some of the most popular representatives of annual dahlias are the Veselye guys, Figaro Mix, Piccolo, Harlequin Mix, Dandy varieties. They have retained all the charm of the dahlia bloom, the inflorescences have different shades, there are both lush terry and semi-double varieties. It will not be difficult to grow compact, low annuals.
Secrets of growing annual dahlias
Plant dahlias it is possible both by seedling method, and by direct sowing of seeds into the ground. To obtain seedlings, the seeds must be sown in containers in April and then the bush will bloom in June. When sowing seeds in a flowerbed in May, flowering will come in August.
Flower care is quite simple:
- Water the bushes regularly as the soil dries out.
- During the growing season, feed at least twice.
- At the beginning of growth, pinch the tops of the shoots for branching.
- Periodically pinch the side stems to give the bush a compact appearance and good flowering.
How to prolong dahlia bloom?
Annual dahlias, like all representatives of this plant species, tend to leave as many offspring as possible, so the main goal after flowering is the formation and maturation of seeds. This significantly reduces the flowering time, for which dahlias are mainly grown.
To extend the flowering period of annual dahlias until late autumn, it is necessary to cut off the faded buds, preventing them from forming seeds. This stimulates the formation of new buds and continuous flowering until the onset of cold weather.
After the faded inflorescences are torn off, buds begin to form in the leaf axils, and the remaining peduncle shoot dries up. To give the bush a beautiful look, it must be cut with a pruner.
Fertilization also affects the abundant flowering of annuals. The last feeding for dahlias should be done no later than July. If you continue to feed the plant further, it will begin to fatten, it will actively increase the green mass, but you can not wait for the flowering itself at all, or it will be very scarce.
Is it possible to save the annual dahlia tubers until next season?
Practice shows that annual plants are also able to be stored after digging. In what condition they will be in spring, depends on the variety of dahlia, the shape of the tubers, and most importantly, on the storage conditions.
After the end of flowering, the plants should cut off the upper part of the bush, leaving small stumps. Fold the tubers in a box with sand or wet sawdust and put them in a dry, cool room (basement or cellar) for the winter.