Growing dahlias in pots: advice from experienced gardeners

Variety selection

For planting in a pot, low-growing varieties of dahlias with a small root system are used. They do not require a lot of light and large space. Their small flowers have different shapes (single-row, collared, double) and can be painted in any color. They bloom profusely and for a long time. There is no need to tie them up, shape them by pinching, pinching or shelling. The lower the height of the dahlia, the earlier it blooms.

The most popular varieties of dahlias that are suitable for planting in pots:

1. Borders. These dahlias have lush bushes 50 - 70 cm high, densely dotted with flowers. Varieties from the widespread Melody border series, after planting in a pot, bloom at the end of May with richly colored, double, spherical flowers up to 12 cm in diameter.

2. Dwarf borders. The height of dwarf border dahlia bushes is 30 - 40 cm. Among them, the most popular variety series is Geleri. It consists of 17 varieties. The flowers of these plants, up to 10 cm in diameter, are densely double, with slightly curled petals, and will delight you from June to October.

3. Dwarf potted plants. Dwarf dahlia varieties have been selected for planting in containers. They grow up to 25 - 30 cm in height. New varieties - Tompiks, Little Tiger. Their bushes are richly decorated with single-row flowers, up to 5 cm in size. These dahlias are grown only by seeds. The dwarf variety Merry Guys has long been popular. A new collection variety series with double flowers with curled petals, up to 10 cm in diameter - Dakhlinova.
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Attention!
Low-growing varieties have wide decorative capabilities. They bloom from June until the onset of frost. Peduncles hardly get sick and are not damaged by pests. You don't need a lot of space to store small-sized tubers. Tall varieties, for example, Severins Triumph, Barbarossa, Zoloy Kolos, are also suitable for pot planting. They are bred in large tubs. They reach a height of 1.5 m and require tying. The medium-sized varieties Ice Crystal, Yellow Jill, and Spartacus New look beautiful in pots.

What is applicable in care

Nowadays, low-growing dahlias grown from seeds are becoming increasingly popular. Such annual crops do not need garter; if desired, you can even grow them at home in a pot. But connoisseurs of tall varieties of this flower should know how to tie dahlias. This plant looks great against the background of a wrought-iron fence or original pillar supports. The latter must basically be strong and reliable in order to protect the dahlias from a gust of wind or an increase in their own weight. Metal structures or specialized flower stands are suitable for these purposes.

How to care for dahlias in autumn

Many people are interested in the question of how to tie dahlias so that they do not fall out. Usually they start doing this when the height of the stem reaches 60 cm; you can arrange the bush as a whole or each shoot separately. In any case, the longer rod should always be tied in two places.

When to plant dahlias in pots

Dahlias are susceptible to cold. In temperate climate zones, the best time to plant them in pots is spring from April to early June.

When planting dahlias, the following cultural features are taken into account:

• flowering of potted dahlias begins 40 - 50 days after planting;
• if you place pots of dahlias in a warm room with a lot of light, for example, on a heated balcony in an apartment, the plant will bloom in 30 - 35 days;
• when placing pots in an open space, flowers are planted when the air temperature is above 12 degrees at night;
• When planting flowers in early March, the seedlings must be supplemented with light.

Advice! Dahlias do not tolerate transplants well. They should be planted immediately in pots where they will grow continuously.

Choosing a container for planting

The choice of pot for planting dahlias is based on their varietal characteristics and the desires of the gardener:

1. Container size.
   The main selection criterion is that the space in the pot should allow for the development of the plant's root system. Low-growing varieties are planted in containers with a volume of 5 - 6 liters, medium-growing - 7 - 10 liters, tall - more than 20 liters. Important! Dahlias are grown in a pot one at a time because their tubers require an area of ​​30–60 cm to grow and develop.
2. Pot material.
   Pots are made of clay, plastic, wood. Each material has its own characteristics. Advice! For planting tall dahlias, choose heavy, stable pots.

Important! The pot must have drainage to avoid stagnation of moisture at the roots and their rotting. If there are no special holes, then they should be made.

To strengthen medium- and tall-growing plants, use a support up to 1.2 m long. It is inserted into the tub to the very bottom and additionally secured to the walls with wire. Then, after planting, a growing dahlia is tied to it.

3. Varieties of perennial dahlias:

3.1.1. Pompon dahlias

Perennial plants, the characteristic feature of which is the round shape of the inflorescence. Among pompom species, compact plants are often found, whose height ranges from 30 to 50 cm. Some varieties can grow up to 1 m in height. The inflorescences reach a diameter of 5 - 6 cm and consist of many large reed flowers, due to which the flower caps look especially voluminous.

3.1.2.Cactus-shaped or needle-shaped dahlias

The main feature of the inflorescences of this species is that the reed flowers are very long and rolled into dense tubes (needles). The edges of the petals are located towards the outside of the inflorescences. In addition to the cactus-shaped form, the reed flowers of which are rolled into a tube along the entire length, there is also a semi-cactus type - in the inflorescences of these plants, the reed flowers are rolled into a tube starting from the middle.

3.1.3.Globular dahlias

Plants are distinguished by round, spherical inflorescences consisting of a large number of reed flowers. The flowers may be slightly bent or rolled into a tube. Unlike pompon dahlias, this species has a large inflorescence shape - they often reach a diameter of 8 - 10 cm.

3.1.4.Anemone-shaped dahlias

Inflorescences of this type consist of ligulate, wide flowers arranged in several rows along the edge of the inflorescence and many long tubular flowers forming a lush cap in the center of the inflorescence.

3.1.5.Peony dahlias

The inflorescences consist of several rows of large, often lanceolate, reed flowers located along the edge of the flower baskets and tightly closed, small tubular flowers in the center. In appearance, inflorescences of this type often resemble the buds of a tree peony.

3.1.6.Nymphea or lotus-shaped dahlias - Dahlia Water-lily

Wide reed flowers are collected in 6 - 7 rows along the edge of the inflorescence; tubular flowers remain in the center. Often flower baskets of this type remain half-open, and tubular flowers remain tightly closed.

3.2.Collar dahlias - Colarette Dahlia

This species has other names - “cheerful guys” or “cuff dahlias”. The species is a herbaceous plant from 30 to 90 cm in height with dark green, glossy leaves. The leaf blades have a coarsely toothed edge. The repeatedly branched stems are hollow in the center and form brightly colored flower baskets at the tops. In fact, pompon dahlias are perennials, but they cannot withstand freezing temperatures and are grown as annual plants. Flower baskets are semi-double - consist of wide reed flowers located in 1 - 2 rows along the edge of the inflorescences. A distinctive feature of the flower baskets of this species is that between the reed and tubular flowers there is a “collar” - often contrastingly colored small petals. The tubular flowers are small, often yellow, located in the center of the inflorescences. The flowering period for these plants begins in the second half of summer and often lasts until frost - flower heads constantly replace each other.

Selecting a location

Potted dahlias can be placed indoors or outdoors. They are placed on window sills and covered balconies. Outdoors, plants are installed in the garden, in the yard, along paths, on the veranda or terrace.

The place for growing dahlias should be:

• illuminated, exposed to sunlight 6 - 8 hours a day;
  Important! If the dahlia grows indoors, artificial lighting is provided for it using a fluorescent lamp.
• protected from the wind;
• with acceptable shading in the evening hours.

Attention! When placing a pot of dahlias outside, you must ensure that there is no anthill nearby, otherwise the plant may become infected with aphids and die.

Soil preparation

In order for the dahlia to bloom profusely and for a long time, the soil for planting must be:

• nutritious;
• loose;
• breathable;
• neutral or slightly acidic (at pH 4 - 5, lime is added to the soil; at pH > 8.5, peat is added).

For these plants, use a mixture labeled “For flowering”. You can prepare the substrate for planting yourself. To do this, garden soil is mixed with humus, sand, perlite, and a complex of microelements is added.

Attention! With an excess of nitrogen in the soil, potted dahlias bloom poorly, and their tubers do not tolerate wintering well. Use organic fertilizers in the soil mixture with caution.

Preparing tubers for planting

Many potted dahlia varieties are planted by seeds. If a flower is grown from a tuber, then before planting it is prepared:

• remove dried roots and damaged areas;
• the cut areas are treated with brilliant green;
• shorten the roots, otherwise they will become intertwined, may be damaged, and their restoration will delay the development and flowering of the plant.

The tubers can be divided. To do this, they are planted in a pot and germinated for about two weeks in a warm place at a temperature of more than 18 degrees. After the buds appear, the tuber is dug up and divided into parts, leaving a bud with a root collar on each section. Up to 5 divisions are obtained from one tuber, which are then transplanted into permanent containers.

Preparing seedlings

Growing seedlings at home begins in early March. There are no difficulties in caring for dahlias. There is only one factor to take into account - flowers do not like frost. Therefore, they are grown in warm weather. The process of planting seeds for seedlings:

1. Containers for planting seeds need a drainage system. To do this, holes are punched in the bottom through which excess moisture will flow out.
2. We fill the pots with soil enriched with useful substances, so it is better to purchase a ready-made mixture for flowers.
3. The seeds fall into the hole no more than 1.5 cm. It is recommended to leave the distance between the holes 3-4 cm.
4. You can pick flowers after several true leaves appear. It is better to plant each flower in a separate pot.
5. It is recommended to plant seedlings in open ground after May 20.

How to plant a dahlia in a pot

The plant will take root well and will delight you with long and abundant flowering if you follow the following sequence of actions when planting:

1. Place a drainage layer, such as gravel, into the pot.
   Advice! To block pest access through drainage holes and improve moisture absorption, place a coffee filter at the bottom of the pot.
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2. Make sure the drain holes are not clogged.
3. Add a layer of soil so that there is at least 20 cm left to the edge of the pot.
4. Moisten the substrate and lightly press it down without disturbing the looseness.
5. Place the tuber in a container with the eye facing up. The distance from the roots to the walls of the pot should be at least 5 cm.

6. Cover the tuber with soil without deepening the root collar.
7. Carefully compact the soil.
8. Place the pot in a warm, bright, draft-free place.
9. As the plant grows, add soil until the distance from its surface to the edge of the container is 2 - 3 cm.

Important! After planting, dahlias are not watered for several days, but only the soil is sprayed. You can start watering after the formation of roots that absorb moisture.

1.Seven secrets of success:

Botanical name: Dahlia.

Home dahlias - family

Homeland of the plant. Mexico.

Description. Dahlias are perennial herbaceous plants with dark green oblong-lanceolate leaves up to 7 cm long, the underground part is represented by a large brown rhizome. The leaf gills often have serrated edges. The stems are erect, hollow and fragile inside. There are many shapes of different heights, sizes and shades other than blue. Double and plain varieties are available. The flowers are actually large inflorescences, consisting of many small tubular flowers located in the center, and reed flowers around the edge of the inflorescence. Tubular and reed flowers often have contrasting colors.

Dahlia height. Dwarf species up to 50 cm in height are suitable for indoor maintenance.

How to care for dahlias in pots

Unlike dahlias that grow in the ground, potted plants do not need to be weeded; their roots will not be damaged by insects or worms. In case of frost or strong gusty winds, containers with flowers can be removed to a protected place.

Caring for dahlias growing in a pot at home comes down to the following:

1. Watering. In hot weather, dahlias are watered daily, in cool weather - once a week. If it is impossible to control the watering time, the pot with the plant can be placed in a container of water.
2. Loosening the soil. The top layer of soil is loosened every time after watering, preventing the formation of an earthen crust. It prevents air from reaching the roots.
3. Fertilizer. Once every two weeks, potassium and phosphorus-containing fertilizers are applied by watering or foliar method. You can use fertilizer based on bone meal, fish and algae.
4. Pest protection.

Twice a month, dahlia is sprayed with solutions of an insecticide (for insects) and fungicide (for fungal diseases).

Attention! In mid-July, the lower leaves of the dahlia are removed. This ensures the necessary air circulation and serves as a prevention of powdery mildew. For healthy growth, wilted and dead flowers are trimmed.

Feeding

Dahlias, like other flowering plants, require regular feeding. Their quantity and dosage depends on the fertility of the soil, the condition of the plant and the weather.

The first time dahlias are fertilized 2-3 weeks after planting the tubers. Organic solutions are used - mullein (1 liter per 10 liters of water), bird droppings (0.5 liters per 10 liters of water). After abundant watering, 1 liter of organic solutions is used for each bush. This promotes the formation and active growth of green mass.

After 14–20 days, dahlias are fed a second time . Dissolve 2 tbsp in 10 liters of water. l urea and 1 tbsp. l fertilizers for flowering plants. During the budding period, 15 g of potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate and 40 g of superphosphate are added to 10 liters of water. The consumption rate for watering is 2-3 liters for each bush.

During the formation of buds, foliar spraying with ovary formation regulators (10 g per 10 l of water) or chlorine-free water-soluble fertilizers with microelements (5 g per 10 l of water) is also useful. Spraying on foliage is carried out in the evening or in cloudy weather.

The last time dahlias are fed is in the first ten days of August. 15 g of potassium sulfate and 50 g of superphosphate are dissolved in a bucket of water. This feeding promotes the ripening and better preservation of tubers.

Pests and their control

Insects and fungi are the main pests of potted dahlias. If you do not protect from them, the plant may die.

Most selected varieties of dahlias bred for planting in pots are resistant to diseases and pests.

How to get rid of pests

Pests can appear on any plant, and dahlias are no exception. Therefore, an integral part of caring for dahlias is treating them from pests.

1. Slugs love dahlias when they are still young and immature. You can get rid of them by using salt and sprinkling a circle around the bush. Slugs are afraid of this product and dissolve it.
2. The earwig likes to settle on buds. If they appear on the bush, then treatment with a decoction of celandine is required. It is recommended to carry out the spraying procedure after sunset.
3. When aphids appear on the leaves, it is immediately necessary to treat the bush with a soap solution.
4. A systemic insecticide will help get rid of thrips and mites.

Collection and storage of tubers

Dahlia tubers do not tolerate frost. For winter storage they are prepared using one of the following methods:

1. After flowering, the tubers are removed from the containers, freed from soil and leaves, and dried. Then they are placed on a mesh or in plastic boxes, providing ventilation. Periodically in winter, their condition is monitored and rotten areas are removed.

2. Cut the plant stems to the ground. The tubers are transferred in pots to a cool, dry place and there, packed in opaque bags, stored until spring. Before planting, they are inspected and, if necessary, divided. The pots are disinfected and the soil is changed.

Important! The optimal storage temperature for dahlia tubers is 6 – 8 degrees.

Rules for growing dahlias

To successfully grow in a container, you need to follow several rules. First of all, use a spacious container so that the root tuber fits in it with plenty of room. The desired container diameter is 20 cm, height is 40 cm. There must be a reliable drainage hole for drainage of rain or irrigation water and drainage so that the root system does not rot. For drainage, it is better to use lightweight expanded clay so as not to weigh down the container. The soil must be non-acidic and necessarily breathable, nutritious, but without excess organic matter. Otherwise, the plant will subsequently produce a lot of greenery, but few flowers and will bloom late.

Dahlias can be made to bloom even in May. To do this, they need to be planted in pots in late March - early April. Water the plant and place it in a cool, bright place (12-15 °C). Since the plants tend to stretch, it is necessary to provide them with sufficient illumination with artificial lighting, then we will see the first buds in May.

Root tubers can be planted in April, May, and early spring, so that by the beginning of summer they will already begin to bloom. We choose the planting time, taking into account that the average time from planting to the start of flowering for these dahlias is approximately 50 days. When planting, the neck of the tuber must be deepened by 6-8 cm. Since the plants easily tolerate transplantation, you can first plant them in a 3-liter pot. Transplant into a container later when white roots appear from the drainage hole. This method is convenient if you started growing it in a city apartment, where there are problems with the placement of plantings, and then transported the plants to the country. Plant care is simple. Plantings require regular watering during vigorous growth. Watering can be combined with liquid fertilizing with complete fertilizer. Before flowering begins, it is nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in approximately equal amounts. In the second half of summer - phosphorus and potassium with a minimum of nitrogen. You can add microelements a couple of times, the flowers will be brighter. Do not forget that with an excess of nitrogen, plants become fattened: they bloom later, and very reluctantly, as if they are doing you a favor.

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If you are on the site only on weekends, provide your pets with water, remove them from direct sunlight, add extra hydrogel to the soil, i.e. more than required according to the instructions. Plants will certainly thank you with abundant flowering.