Do you know the origin of the dahlia and how to grow this beautiful flower, I can help.
Are you thinking of growing Dahlia? This beautiful flower is actually native to the highlands of Mexico and was grown by the Aztecs in the region near the present site of Mexico City before the invasion by Corte. The Aztec name for the Dahlia was "Acoctli", meaning "water pipe", which refers to the hollow stalk.
Many of the wild species grow in poor soil and can stand severe climatic conditions, but the improved varieties, while they may survive in this poor soil, actually need a better soil and also careful care and cultivation for better growth and beauty. If you will practice careful selection and breeding, you can obtain and also grow beautiful Dahlias.
The American Dahlia Society has established a standard nomenclature and offical classifications of these beautiful flowers. All together there are l4 official classes with 27 recognized types.
The Society uses the word "large" for those types that are eight inches or more in diameter and uses "medium" to designate the ones that are four to eight inches.
Let's talk about planting. They should be given a sunny location and also protect them from high winds. You can almost plant them in any type of soil but always remember good drainage is essential. If your soil is heavy or has a clay basis, then you'll need to add sand, peat moss, leaf mold, or coal ashes to help break up that clay soil and make it porous. If you plant in sandy soil you'll need loam and humus. I do prefer preparing the soil in the fall by spading 12 to l8 inches deep, getting that soil really well stirred and also fertilized. After you have the soil prepared by perhaps adding rotted cow manure or compost you'll need to work that in until the full depth and add some humus and sand.
After your soil is ready, think about planting a crop of rye first to be dug in April as that is the best way to give the soil a neutral or slightly acid soil with a pH value of 7.0 to 6.0: Dahlias thrive in this soil. Take a soil sample to your county agent to determine whether you need to add some lime to the soil.
When you get past the danger of killing frosts you may plant your dahlias as the soil must be warm and in good working condition.
You will find that your local nursery will offer many varieties of Dahlias, and will sell both dormant roots and green plants. The root must have a live eye: don't forget that. The green plants are obtained by propagation of cuttings from rootstock made in the late winter and grown in small pots. I don't see where one is better than the other: this is a matter of personal preference. Sometimes the root costs twice the price of the green plant but it is easier to handle and also easier to plant. If the green plant becomes broken or damaged before you plant it your money is wasted.
The Dahlia requires large quantities of water, so determine if you have the water supply necessary for growing these plants. Try to cultivate the soil around the Dahlia after each rain to conserve moisture and kill the weeds.
Be very careful in watering as most tend to just water the surface and these plants need deep watering perhaps with a trench or furrow on each side and a hose trinkling water overnight or possibly for six to ten hours. Water at least once a week during the growing season.
I do hope my suggestions on Dahlias and the information I have given will help. These are beautiful flowers and well worth the time and effort you will spend on them.
