Dahlias are a popular garden flower with a much-deserved reputation for beauty and variety. Also known as the "queen of flowers", dahlias come in an array of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are most commonly grown as annuals, but if taken care of properly, they can live as perennials in warm climates.

Dahlias are members of the Asteraceae family, which includes other common garden plants such as daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums.

They are native to Central America, where they have been cultivated for centuries. In the 19th century, European plant breeders created many of the varieties we know today, and since then, dahlias have become a must-have for gardeners everywhere.

Here at Garden Pie, We shall look into cultivating, growing and caring for Dahlias.

What you need to know about dahlias

There are numerous types of dahlias, all of which come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. 

There are decorative dahlias with frilly petals, dinnerplate dahlias with large, flat blooms, and cactus dahlias with sharp, pointed petals. 

Some are tall and bushy, while others are low and trailing. The colors range from soft pastels to vivid reds, oranges, and yellows.

Facts you need to know about dahlias includes:

• Name: dahlia, Dahlia species.
• Height: from dwarf 40cm to 1.5–2m giants.
• Climate: prefers warm temperate, but can be grown in all climates. In cold areas, plant when threat of frost has passed.
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil, improved with well-rotted animal manure, leaf litter or compost.
• Position: morning sun and afternoon shade. Dahlias do well under shade cloth. Protect from wind.
• Flowering: many delicate petals around a central core in various shades of white, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple, depending on the variety, ranging in size from 5–30cm.
• Feeding: regular feeding when plants are 30cm tall with an all-purpose fertiliser. After buds appear, feed with a liquid fertiliser every 10–14 days.
• Watering: water after planting in spring, then lightly after plant reaches 20cm in height.

Appearance and characteristics of dahlias

• Dahlias are a genus of showy flowering plants in the family Asteraceae.
• They are native to Mexico but have been widely cultivated in other parts of the world for centuries.
• They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small single flowers to large, full-blown blooms.
• Many dahlias also feature attractive foliage, with some varieties having frilly and lacy leaves.
• The flowers of dahlias are composed of numerous petals and come in a variety of vibrant colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, white and purple.
• Depending on the variety, the petals can be ruffled, flat, tubular or even quilled.
• The center of the flower is often a contrasting color, such as yellow or white.
• Some varieties also feature stunning bicolored petals.
• The size of dahlias varies quite a bit, with some varieties growing as tall as 5 feet, while others are much smaller.The type of dahlia will also determine its size, with some varieties producing small, single flowers while others produce large, full-blown blooms.
• The foliage can be either smooth or deeply cut and is usually green or gray-green in color.

Uses for dahlias

Dahlias are a beautiful, showy flower that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.

They are a popular choice for flower gardens, bouquets, and even special events.

Ornamental

Dahlias are a popular choice for flowerbeds, borders, and even as potted plants. They provide bright pops of color in any garden and can be used as a backdrop for other plants. Dahlias come in a range of sizes, from small, daisy-like blooms to larger dinner-plate size blooms.

Cut Flowers

Dahlias are often used in various arrangements, from bouquets and table centerpieces to wedding flowers. They can be cut and used in any type of arrangement and they will last for up to a week in a vase.

Perennial

Dahlias are a hardy perennial, meaning they will come back year after year. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want to enjoy their blooms for years to come.

Dried Flowers

Dahlias are also popular for use in dried flower arrangements. The petals can be dried and used in wreaths, centerpieces, or other craft projects.

Food

Dahlias are also edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. The petals can also be added to salads for a colorful addition.

How to plant and grow dahlias ?

• Select a spot in your garden that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Dahlias need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
• Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to help it drain well.
• Plant your dahlia tubers in early spring, once the soil has warmed to at least 55°F (13°C). If necessary, you can start them indoors a few weeks before setting them out in the garden.
• Dig a hole that is twice as deep as the tuber is big, and place it in the hole with the eyes (growth buds) facing up.
• Fill in the hole and press down firmly on the soil to eliminate any air pockets.
• Water the tuber well and keep the soil moist.
• When the shoots have grown to about 6 inches (15 cm) tall, pinch out the center shoot to encourage bushier growth.
• Fertilize your dahlias every 2 weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.
• Stake taller varieties to keep them from toppling over.
• Deadhead spent blooms to keep your plants blooming longer.
• Cut back stems in late fall after the first frost to prevent disease and rot.
• In cold climates, dig up the tubers and store them indoors for the winter.

Caring for dahlias

Caring for dahlias involves providing the right environment and proper care.

Planting

The best time to plant dahlias is in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.

• Plant in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Dahlias should be planted at least 18-24 inches apart.
• Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the dahlia and mix in a generous amount of compost or fertilizer.
• Place the dahlia in the hole and fill it with soil.
• Firm the soil around the plant and water deeply.

Watering

• Dahlias need regular watering and should be kept moist, but not soggy. Water deeply and try to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Dahlias need to be fertilized every other week with a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically formulated for dahlias.

Deadheading

• Deadheading is the process of removing dead flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadhead as soon as the flowers start to fade, usually after a few weeks.

Pinching

• Pinching is the process of pinching off the top two inches of growth when the plant is about 12-16 inches tall. This will encourage the plant to branch out and produce more blooms.

Winter Care

Dahlias are not cold hardy and will need to be dug up and stored indoors during the winter months.

• Dig up the tubers before the first frost and allow them to dry for a few days.
• Then store them in a cool, dry place such as a basement or garage.

How often should you water and feed dahlias ?

• Dahlias should be watered regularly and deeply.
• Watering frequency depends on the weather, the amount of rain and the type of soil the dahlias are planted in. In general, dahlias should be watered at least once a week during dry weather, but in hotter climates, they may need to be watered twice a week or even more.
• When watering, be sure to soak the soil around the dahlias's roots and not just sprinkle water on the foliage.
• It should be fed at least once a month during their growing season.
• The best time to feed dahlias is in early summer with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
• Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the proper amount to use.
• During the summer months, a liquid fertilizer may be used every two weeks or so as an alternative to slow-release fertilizer.
• Stop fertilizing dahlias in late summer, as they will start to go dormant.

The Diseases and pests that affects dahlias

Diseases

1. Fungal Leaf Spot

Fungal leaf spot is caused by a variety of different fungi, including Alternaria dauhlie, Cercospora dauhlie, and Phoma dauhlie. This disease is characterized by small, circular brown spots surrounded by a yellow halo on the foliage. These spots can eventually become large and merge together, causing the foliage to die.

• To prevent this disease, water the dahlias at the base of the plant rather than wetting the foliage, as wet leaves are more prone to infection.
• Remove any infected foliage and dispose of it in a sealed bag away from the garden.

2. Botrytis Blight

Botrytis blight is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. This disease is characterized by grey-brown spots on the foliage, which can eventually cause the foliage to die. To prevent this disease, water the dahlias at the base of the plant rather than wetting the foliage, as wet leaves are more prone to infection. Remove any infected foliage and dispose of it in a sealed bag away from the garden.

3. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni and is characterized by white, powdery patches on the foliage. To prevent this disease, water the dahlias at the base of the plant rather than wetting the foliage, as wet leaves are more prone to infection. Plant dahlias in areas that have good air circulation and remove any infected foliage and dispose of it in a sealed bag away from the garden.

Pests

1. Aphids

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the stems and leaves of dahlias.

• To control aphids, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings into the garden.
• Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to control aphids.

2. Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the foliage and flowers of dahlias.

• To control thrips, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings into the garden.
• Insecticidal soaps and oils can also be used to control thrips.

3. Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails feed on the foliage and flowers of dahlias.

• To control slugs and snails, place copper strips around the perimeter of the garden and keep the garden free of debris.
• Hand-picking the slugs and snails is also an effective control method.

How to propagate dahlias ?

Propagating dahlias is a great way to save money on plants for your garden and to increase the amount of flowers you can enjoy. 

Here's how to propagate dahlias: 

• Gather the necessary supplies. You will need a sharp knife, a garden fork, potting soil, and some containers with drainage holes. 
• Prepare the soil. Fill the containers with the potting soil.
• Dig up the dahlia clump. Use the garden fork to carefully dig up the entire clump of dahlias. 
• Separate the clump into individual tubers. Use the sharp knife to carefully separate the clump into individual tubers. Make sure to handle them gently, as they are quite fragile.
• Plant the tubers. Place the tubers in the containers with the potting soil, making sure that the top of the tuber is above the soil.
• Water the tubers. Water the tubers until the soil is evenly moist.
• Place the containers in a sunny location. Make sure that the containers receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
• Monitor the plants. Keep an eye on the plants and water them as needed to keep the soil moist.
• Transplant the dahlias. Once the plants have grown several leaves and the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant the dahlias into your garden or larger containers.