Dahlia - "Meadow Lee"

Family: Asteraceae

Common Name(s): NA

Native to: Mexico, Central America, and Colombia

Flowering: Summer - Autumn

Watering: Keep soil slightly moist when plants are actively growing. Do not water regularily until shoots appear.

Planting Aspect: Full Sun; protected from strong winds

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate

Description

Cultivation

Choose an open, sunny, location without strong drying winds and protection from early autumn frosts. Dahlias tolerate a wide range of soils, but their site must be cultivated deeply and have a high organic content. A moist but definitely free draining soil is a must, as is available summer watering. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out.

Tubers should be planted so that the growing “eyes” at the base of the old stems are just below ground level. Plant them approximately half their known growing height apart and it is advisable to place a stake beside the taller growing varieties to support them. When the tubers sprout, a thick layer of mulch should be spread over the growing area to assist moisture retention and suppress weed growth. Plants will respond well to a seasonal side dressing of complete fertilizer or several applications of a weak liquid fertiliser throughout the growing season. Ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times. If required, new shoots can have their growing tips pinched out to encourage a dense, compact habit. Protect them from aphids, spider mites, snails and slugs.