Two years ago, I discovered dahlias. I am sure I knew they existed before then but I hadn't ever grown them or bought them. My friend, Lynette, really deserves the credit for turning me into a dahlia-lover (probably heading towards the addiction stage, if I am honest). Lynette has so many varieties and these flowers are showy. She would bring some extras blooms into the office so we could make a desk bouquet and I was fascinated by not only the vibrant colours but the variety of bloom shapes too. I decided I wanted to grow them.
A visit the Ferncliffe Gardens, in Mission, with Lynette, in the summer, allowed me to see the different types in bloom. Small, medium, large, tall, short, bushy, they have them all. I placed my order for 10 different types, which I thought showed great restraint on my part, and patiently waited until spring for my order of tubers to arrive.
Arrive they did and I dutifully waited until the end of April/beginning of May to plant them. Patience is not my strong suit so waiting was hard. There are people who put them in pots to get them started early but as this was my first year, I decided to do in-ground first Dahlias don't require tonnes of care but planting them correctly will make it easier as they grow.
Digging the hole at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep and mixing in bone meal (I used crushed eggshells instead) will help the tuber to grow. Be sure to leave at least 18 inches (45 cm) between tubers as the grow lots of fingerlings and spread out. Lay your tuber on it's side with the "eye" up. Before you cover the hole place a garden stake close to the tuber (I like mine to be 5-6 feet tall). Staking now ensures you won't stab your tuber and damaging it as it grows. After the hole is filled, I put a circle of copper mesh (bought on Amazon)around the stake and where I think the plant will come up. The copper keeps the snail's and slugs from feasting on those new leaves. More eggshells spread around the copper circle helps too.
Eggshells and staking. I often twist tie the name label around the stake so I can remember which one is which. All tubers look the same!
Copper mesh protecting the new plant.
Then you wait. Once tuber starts to sprout, it doesn't take long to grow bigger after that if the weather is warm.
Pinch your first blooms off and these plants will provide multiples until October. I made bouquets for the Thanksgiving table this year.
In late Fall, I dig the tubers up and store them in a cool, dry place in my garage. In Spring, I divide them up. My 10 plants turned into 30 this. I couldn't help myself and added a few more. I will post a blog in the Fall about digging up and storing them. Then in Spring will post about how to divide them.
At this time of the year, many have started to bloom with more on the way. Here is what is blooming now.
From left to right: First row, seed Dahlia, seed Dahlia (good in containers), Spartacus (Ferncliffe Gardens); Second Row: Ferncliffe Bliss, Ferncliffe Lemon Aura, Ferncliffe Picasso; Third row: ?, Holly Huston (Ferncliffe), Lady Darlene (Breck's Bulbs); Fourth row: Fire Magic (Ferncliffe), Rothesay Reveller (Ferncliffe), Raspberry Royale (Ferncliffe); Fifth Row: Wanda's Capella (Ferncliffe), Terracotta (Ferncliffe), China Town(Breck's)
These blooms make for stunning bouquets. Here are a few I made last year:
Dahlia bring me such joy! I can't get enough of their vibrant colours. A bouquet in a mason jar, adds colour to any room.
Here's hoping you find your joy moment today and everyday
Happy gardening!
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