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Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Dahlia

Species

fin

Description

A perennial tuberous geophyte prized for its elegant blooms in vivid colours; depending on the variety, it is well suited to adding a decorative touch – whether in combination with other species – to flowerbeds and borders, or in planters and pots.

It is a vigorous grower with a high degree of branching, which gives it a lush, full appearance. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

Species video

https://youtu.be/R0Cq6H56UQk

Variety description

An early-flowering, double-flowered dahlia with medium-sized blooms. A compact, well-branched plant suitable for a 10–12 pot. Ideal for window-sill and terrace planters, to be placed in a spot sheltered from the strongest sun. Blooms from early spring throughout the summer. A quick and easy variety to grow (1.5–2 months) if cultivated at temperatures above 15°C.

Curiosities and special features

The name ‘Dahlia’ was coined in the late 19th century by the naturalist A. J. Cavanilles, director of the Royal Gardens in Madrid, in honour of the Swedish botanist A. Dahl, a pupil of Linnaeus.

Origin and distribution

Native to Mexico, where it is the national flower, as well as to Guatemala, Colombia and Costa Rica, the dahlia has a history dating back to the time of the Aztec Empire, during which it was cultivated for food because of its starchy root tubers. The first dahlias to be imported into Europe as ornamental plants by Spanish colonists in the 18th century were single-flowered varieties and probably belonged to the speciesD. pinnata, D. rosea and D. coccinea; the considerable interest aroused by the first specimens introduced led to intensive interspecific hybridisation, resulting in the multitude of varieties commercially available today.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf colour

Plain colours.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.18 and 0.25 m, making it ideal for mixed plantings with other ornamental plants of varying sizes.

Lifespan

A perennial species, but often grown as an annual.

Where to plant

For bright, colourful blooms, these plants are recommended for the following outdoor spaces: balconies, terraces and planters.

Stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double, medium-sized, with a symmetrical corolla and solid-coloured petals. It flowers from early spring to early summer and from late summer to early autumn, with flowering periods ranging from 90 to 120 days in the first season and from 35 to 50 days in the second. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A compact-growing variety, ideal for use in pots and planters.

Plant habit

Its rounded habit makes for a very attractive final effect from both an aesthetic and decorative point of view, whether planted on its own or combined with other flowering herbaceous plants.

Branching

Itsprofuse branching results in a particularly pleasing density of flowers and leaves.

PH

The optimum pH of the growing medium or soil for Dahlia pinnata ranges from 5.8 to 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before spring planting, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds and large stones, then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and, using a hoe, break up the larger clods to make the soil looser. Finally, to ensure proper drainage of excess water, create a raised bed by slightly mounding the soil and carefully level the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

The optimal growing conditions for growth and flowering are partial shade, shade or dappled shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C, a fairly narrow temperature range, but it is important to bear in mind that we are referring to specific optimal values for vegetative growth and flowering. The biological temperature range is between 5 and 30 °C; these conditions occur over a large part of the year and demonstrate how this variety can survive even in temperature conditions that would be critical for other ornamental plants.

Above 30 °C, it struggles to form buds; furthermore, the diameter of the flowers decreases as the average temperature rises.

Use

Popular with gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels of experience as a plant for
outdoor ornamental setting

Hardiness

A variety ofmoderate hardiness.

Soil

It prefers medium-textured, well-drained soil. In planters and pots, a potting mix for spring-flowering plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is an easy plant to grow and look after, requiringlittle effort in terms of overall care.

Growing tips

To achieve the best results in terms of vegetative growth and flowering, please note the following:
It prefers a cool climate

Combinations with other plants

In terms of colour combinations and the contrast in growth habit and height, arrangements featuring other ornamental plants such as Begonia semperflorens, Calceolaria, Hosta, Mecardonia x hybrida,Lobularia maritima, Nicotiana, Salvia farinacea and Sutera diffusa are particularly interesting .

Planting

For planting in a flowerbed, an average density of 0.0 plants per square metre is recommended; position them in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the young roots. The potting compost or soil, which should be porous and well-drained, must be plentiful around the root ball when transplanting into a larger pot or a flowerbed, and kept consistently moist to ensure continuous flowering until late autumn. Also, water immediately after planting, but without causing waterlogging.

Propagation

Propagation can be carried out by seed or by cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater or, alternatively, tap water, either by hand or via a drip irrigation system or sub-irrigation.

When transplanting, water thoroughly and care for the seedling, taking care to avoid both waterlogging – which could make the roots more susceptible to fungal diseases – and periods of drought. Thereafter, water carefully to keep the growing medium or soil slightly moist, preventing it from drying out. Allowing the soil to dry out too much can cause damage to the leaves.

It is advisable not to water the plant from above in the late afternoon or evening to avoid the development of fungal diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Once the plant has become properly established in its new location, apply a liquid fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants to the substrate or soil from spring until early summer. Dilute the fertiliser in the watering can according to the appropriate doses and frequency as indicated on the product label. Reduce or suspend fertilisation during the hottest weeks and resume when the first cooler nights arrive to ensure a prolonged flowering period right up until the first frosts.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Fertilise using fertigation once or twice a week in spring; in summer, reduce the frequency or stop altogether during the hottest weeks. In full sun all day, it can be kept in the lowlands until late spring or up to 30°C, whilst at altitudes above 400 metres above sea level or in the mountains, it can be left in full sun all day.