Dahlias In The Garden

Dahlias are a great addition to any beautiful garden as they provide vibrant colors and attraction to the garden. Dahlias normally have a long bloom period, which is from summer through fall. They come in assortment of colors, shapes and sizes. You can find diverse varieties of dahlias – the sizes of the flower ranging from 2 to 12 inches. The plants of dahlia can be 1 foot to 7 feet tall! . Dahlias like full sun, however if you are planting them in an extremely hot climate then you can grow them in little shade. These plants have to be watered regularly like all other flower plants.

Gardeners from various countries chose Pacific Rim Dahlia to grace their landscapes, homes and garden plots as it is one of the highest blooming flowers in cultivation. Many gardeners grow dahlias solely as a decorative plant while some others grow them as cut flowers for artistic arrangement.

Dahlias come in over 36 varieties and are native to Mexico, Central America and Columbia. Since 1813, commercial plant breeders have been breeding dahlias to produce thousands of cultivars, usually chosen for their stunning and brightly coloured waxy flowers. Dahlia was named the national flower of Mexico in 1963.

                         

                   You Tube: Cutting Dahlia tubers   http://youtu.be/BAPNPxnXXT4

                    You tube: All about Dahlias http://youtu.be/KaDLLnjU0Fc

                      You Tube: Lift & Store Dahlias  http://youtu.be/7Jp89VrP78E

Here's what to do:

1. Dig bulbs or tubers up after frost has blackened foliage. Carefully remove as much soil as you can.
2. Cut the leaves off, leaving a stem about an inch or two long. Leaves and stems are not needed, as the plants are going to be dormant and not making any growth through the winter.
3. You can either carefully wash the soil off the tubers or bulbs, or just let it dry and work it off by hand later.
4. Leave bulbs or tubers exposed to air in a frost-free place for a couple of weeks. Any remaining stem should be dry before going into storage, otherwise rot could develop.
5. Store in vermiculite or dry peat (available at garden centers) in paper bags or cardboard boxes in a cool, frost free place at 40 to 50°F (5-10°C).
6. Dahlia tubers are prone to drying up somewhat, and these should be stored in slightly moistened peat moss. Check them through the winter, and if they've shriveled, moisten the peat moss. Some authorities suggest plumping shriveled dahlia bulbs up in a bucket of water overnight. If you do this, let them dry thoroughly before you put them back into storage.

DAHLIAS BRIGHTEN UP ANY

AND ALL GARDENS