Dahlia

Plant family

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

40 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

5 cm

Instructions

Description

Dahlias, also known as georgines, are genus of plants within the composite family (Asteraceae). They are used as ornamental plants. Dahlias are suitable both as a garden plant and as a cut flower, and they come in many different colors. Regular plucking of wilted flowers encourages the formation of new flower buds. The bulb of the dahlia is even edible and can be cooked like potatoes, and the leaves can be used like spinach. Some species of dahlia can even grow up to 2 m high.

Growing tips

The tubers can be pre-grown from March, but can also be planted directly outdoors, in which case flowering begins approx. 1 month later. The tubers can also be soaked in water for one night before planting out. Place the tubers approx. 5 cm deep in the soil so that the stem remains are still sticking out. Place a flower support when planting to tie the dahlia down later, as otherwise the heavy flowers may also snap off. After planting, keep the soil moist at first. The planting distance depends on the variety. Pinching leads to better branching and they grow bushy and dense. Dahlias are not hardy and must be overwintered indoors. To do this, dig up the tubers and store them between 5-10°C. Remove faded flowers. Other good neighbors are perennials, autumn anemones, gladioli, hyacinths, vanilla flower, cosmea, fragrant stonecrop, purple loosestrife, roses, stonecrop and ornamental grasses.