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Dahlia
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All
information on this website is copyright Flowers.gs
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Common Name
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Dahlia
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Scientific
Name
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Dahlia
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Plant Category
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Perennial
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Location
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Central America, Europe
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Height
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6-12 inches
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Width
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3-10 inches
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Blooming Season
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Summer, autumn
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Plant Habit
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Upright
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Color
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Orange, pink, purple, red,
scarlet, yellow or white
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Sun
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Full sun
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Soil
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Deep, fertile, well-drained soil
with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5
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Water
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Steady moisture
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Plant Characteristics
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Tender plants. Easy to grow.
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Usage
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Great in gardens, borders or cut
flowers.
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Information
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Dahlias are the national flowers
for Mexico
and are considered one of the most
spectacular garden flowers. The first dahlias were brought to Europe by the early explorers and over the centuries,
through hybridization, developed the modern dahlia. There are more than
50,000 different dahlias available in every shade imaginable, except for
blue. Dahlias are classified according to flower shape and arrangement of
petals. Single-flowering dahlias have one row of petals, generally grow to 3
ft or less, and have flowers 4 inches or less in diameter. Double-flowering
types have multiple rows of petals, grow taller, and have large flowers.
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Growing Tips
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Dahlias do best in sunny
locations protected from strong winds. They appreciate steady moisture and
regular feedings until the flowers start to appear. Dahlias are very
sensitive to freezing temperatures. Large tuberous roots may be planted about
2 weeks before the last spring frost date. Large-flowering dahlias should be
spaced 3 to 4 feet apart and smaller dahlias can be spaced 2 feet apart. The
soil should be prepared by digging to a depth of about a foot and amending
with compost if necessary before planting. Seeds should be planted around ½
inch deep in a pot, pack, or flat. The seeds should be covered with more of
the soil medium or pure vermiculite.
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Common Problems
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Dahlia plants can become
massive and the large flowering types, particularly, may require support to
prevent plant breakage and loss of large blooms. Earwigs are annoying pests that
eat the flowers. To help trap them, try putting a pot filled with straw,
upside down on the top of a cane among plants. Check every day and empty out
the earwigs hiding inside. Slugs can be a real problem when the plants are
small, and it is best to use anti-slug remedies to avoid them munching
through soft, new growth.
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