Select® Tessy

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Dahlia

Species

x hybrida

Description

A hybrid obtained from crosses between different species belonging to the genus Dahlia, appreciated for its elegant blooms with harmonious colour tones; depending on the variety, it is suitable for adding a decorative accent to flowerbeds and borders or in pots and planters, even in compositions with other species. With its compact growth, it has a high level of branching which gives a lush final effect. It prefers exposures in half-shade in well-drained soil.

Species video

https://youtu.be/R0Cq6H56UQk

Variety description

Early double-flowered Dahlia, medium. Compact, well branched plant for 10-12 pots. Tray plant for windowsills and terraces, to be placed in a position sheltered from strong sun. Blooms from early spring throughout the summer. Easy and fast growing variety (1.5 - 2 months) if grown at temperatures above 15°c.

Curiosities and special features

The generic epithet, Dahlia, was given at the end of the 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. In its geographical areas of origin, the local populations used the wild species not only as an ornamental but also in food, as its tubers were a substitute for potatoes.

Origin and distribution

The dahlia, native to Mexico where it is the national flower, as well as Guatemala, Colombia and Costa Rica, has a history dating back to the times of the Aztec empire during which it was cultivated for food purposes for its starchy root tubers. The first dahlias to be imported to Europe as ornamentals by Spanish colonists in the 18th century were of the single-flowered type and probably belonged to the species D. pinnata, D. rosea and D. coccinea; the considerable interest aroused by the first introduced specimens led to intense interspecific hybridisation work, generating a multitude of varieties that are commercially present today.

Flower size

It has a medium-sized flower compared to other varieties.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

It flowers from early spring to early summer for a duration of 90 to 120 days from late summer to early autumn for a duration of 30 to 50 days.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.18 to 0.25 m, which is also ideal for mixed compositions with other ornamentals of different development.

Lifespan

Cultivated as an annual.

Where to plant

For bright and colourful blooms, the recommended use is for the following outdoor spaces: balconies, terraces, tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is double, medium-sized, with a symmetrical corolla and plain petals. It flowers from early spring to early summer and from late summer to early autumn, with flowering periods of between 90 and 120 days and between 30 and 50 days. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

It has a compact growth habit, ideal for use in pots and planters.

Plant habit

Plant habit makes the final effect very interesting from an aesthetic and decorative point of view, both on its own and in combination with other flowering Species.

Branching

Theabundant branching allows for a particularly pleasing density of flowers.

PH

The optimal pH of the substrate is sub-acidic, in a range between 5.8 and 6.2.

Soil preparation

Before spring transplanting, carry out light digging to remove any weeds and bulky stones, continue by burying organic or chemical slow-release fertiliser and, using a hoe, break up the coarser clods to give greater softness. Finally, for proper drainage of excess water, create a raised flowerbed by slight berming and carefully level the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Optimal exposure conditions for Growth and flowering are half-shade, sun exposure, light shade

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C, which is quite a narrow temperature range, but let us remember that we are referring to specific optimum values for vegetative growth and flowering. The biological temperature is between 5 and 30 °C, conditions which occur over a wide period of the year and which show us how this variety can survive even in critical thermal situations for other ornamentals.

Use

Appreciated by gardeners and landscapers at all levels of experience as a plant in
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured, well-draining soil. In planters and pots, a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is an easy plant to grow and maintain, requiring a low level of commitment in overall management.

Growing tips

For best results in vegetative development and flowering, consider the following indications:
Prefers cool climate

Combinations with other plants

Because of the colour combinations as well as the contrast in bearing and heights, compositions with other ornamentals such as Begonia semperflorens, Calceolaria, Canna, Helianthus, Hosta, Mecardonia x hybrida, Lobularia maritima, Nicotiana, Rosa floribunda, Sutera diffusa are interesting .

Planting

For bed planting, an average density of 0.0 plants per square metre is recommended. Place each plant with the collar out of the ground without damaging the young roots, water immediately after planting.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed or by cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water, either by hand or with an irrigation system. When transplanting, provide an initial abundant watering and assist the seedling by avoiding both water stagnation, which could make the roots more susceptible to attack by fungal diseases, and dryness. Afterwards, water, taking care to keep the soil or substrate moist at all times but without excessive watering. It is advisable not to water the plant from above during the late afternoon or evening to prevent the development of fungal diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

After proper settling in the new planting site, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for ornamental flowering plants to the soil or substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as indicated on the relevant information label.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid administration.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Some varieties may be toxic if ingested in certain quantities or cause dermatitis.

Tip

Fertilise with weekly or bi-weekly fertigation in spring, in summer drop or discontinue in the hottest weeks. In full sun all day it can stay in the plains until late spring or up to 30°C, while above 400 m. Slm or in the mountains, even all day.