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Dahlias are very beautiful and loved by many gardeners flowers. Those who are ready to care for perennials grow them according to all the rules. But, some prefer annual dahlias to:
- please yourself with a variety of colors;
- avoid digging and caring for tubers in winter.
The flowering of annual dahlias is colorful and long-term, caring for them is quite simple.
The only troublesome task is growing from seeds. Here it is necessary to take into account some nuances. Growing seeds is possible in two ways:
- Direct seeding into the ground. This option is used at the end of May, when there is confidence that frosts will not damage young seedlings. In some regions, it is impossible to say with certainty that at this time the weather has already improved, therefore it is possible to sow annual dahlias in open ground only in June. However, the later we sow annual dahlias in the ground, the later they begin to bloom.
- Growing through seedlings. This option allows you to start sowing seeds much earlier – from the first days of March to the end of April. Growing seedlings of annual varieties has its own nuances, which we will consider in this article.
Why are annual inflorescences so popular among summer residents?
The advantages of these flowers over their perennial counterparts are obvious:
- Early intensive flowering. Perennial dahlias of some varieties, in general, may not bloom in the first year.
- Uniformity and duration of flowering. Annual dahlias from seeds give their beautiful inflorescences until frost.
- No need to dig up tubers and observe the conditions for their storage.
- Ease of care, which is within the power of beginner growers.
- Dahlias grow well in regions with different climates.
Many gardeners grow annual varieties as perennials. To do this, strictly adhere to the timing of sowing, so that the plant has time to form a tuber. It is then dug up and stored until the next season. Let’s move on to a detailed description of the process of growing annual dahlias.
The initial stages of cultivation
How to grow annual dahlias, planting and care, growing seedlings – all these questions concern beginner gardeners.
Before you start sowing seed material, you must prepare the site in advance. First, choose a sunny place with neutral soil. Well suited and slightly acidic. With strong acidification, we carry out alkalization measures. Until planting, the soil is dug up, humus and sand are added (for dense soil). The next step is growing seedlings.
- We determine the variety of annuals for the site. It is necessary to carefully select flowers by shades if you are going to use them in landscape design. Pay attention to the varietal characteristics indicated on the label. This is necessary to determine the time of flowering and the appearance of the plant. The bags with the mixture contain plants with different colors of inflorescences. You also need to get information when to plant plants in open ground or sow seedlings. Flowering time depends on the height of the plant. The higher the dahlias, the later they will delight you with their flowering.
- After selecting high-quality dahlia seeds, we prepare containers and soil mixture for seedlings of annuals. Plants respond well to a mixture of such components – sand, perlite and peat. Don’t forget about drainage. In each container, it is necessary to make a hole for the outflow of moisture. Fill pots with soil.
- In order to grow quality seedlings, the seeds can be prepared, although this method is optional. For preparation, they are soaked in a solution of aloe juice with water (1: 2) overnight before sowing.
- We place the seeds in a nutrient soil mixture, lightly sprinkle with earth on top and cover with glass or film. Seed germination requires a temperature of +27°C.
- We transfer the container with seeds to a warm and bright place.
- Anyone who has grown annual dahlias from seeds knows that seedlings appear quickly. A few days are enough for them to hatch and sprout.
- Now the shelter can be removed, but not immediately, gradually accustoming the seedlings to the ambient temperature. The main thing is to provide them with good lighting and moderate watering.
Seedlings do not require too much attention, they tolerate accurate transplanting and diving well. Therefore, the next important stage is the picking of the grown seedlings.
Picking seedlings of annual dahlias and caring for it
The grown seedlings need to dive. This is necessary to strengthen the root system, provide seedlings with nutrients and protect seedlings from stretching. The best time is two weeks after germination. Dive seedlings into a separate container with a nutrient mixture. It is prepared with the addition of another important component to the first composition – soddy land. The composition of the mixture of turf land should be at least 50%. Young plants “get used” to life in the open field.
Picking or planting of annual seedlings is carried out with a deepening to the first leaves. The dived seedlings are immediately watered with a solution of potassium permanganate of low concentration.
After the seedlings have taken root, it is necessary to feed the plants. Any complex of mineral fertilizers is suitable, only the dose for seedlings is taken half as much as recommended.
Seedlings grow quickly. To prevent dahlias from stretching, pinch over the 4th pair of leaves.
Seedling care is not burdensome. Withstand moderate watering to prevent stagnant water and rotting plants. Be sure to harden them before planting young seedlings for permanent residence. Containers with seedlings are taken out to the balcony or courtyard, gradually lengthening the “walk” time.
As soon as the threat of a return of frost passes, dahlia seedlings are planted in open ground.
Growing outdoors
At the end of May or at the beginning of June, seedlings of annual dahlias are planted. By this time, the seedlings will get stronger and will be able to transfer this stage of their life quite easily. But still, you need to make sure that the roots do not get damaged. A couple of hours before the procedure, the seedlings are watered. Paper and peat containers are buried with plants. From plastic, it is better to transfer seedlings with a clod of earth into prepared holes.
She needs enough space. Tall varieties of dahlias should not be planted closer than 70 cm to each other.
For medium dahlias, 50 cm between the bushes is enough, undersized ones are placed at intervals of 25 cm. When planting dahlias, add wood ash and compost (2 tablespoons each) to the holes when planting dahlias. Be sure to mulch young plants.
In regions with a cool climate or unstable weather, planted seedlings are covered with geotextiles or film shelter until the seedlings are established.
Before dwelling on the rules for caring for seedlings after transplantation, we will consider growing from seeds by direct sowing in the ground.
For this method, a site for landing is selected and prepared. Sow seeds in moist soil according to the recommended scheme. Cover with foil and wait for shoots. Provide seedlings with warmth, light and watering.
Further care for annuals consists of fertilizing with complex fertilizers (before flowering and after the dahlias bloom). Do not get carried away with nitrogen fertilizers, it is better to ensure the supply of potassium and phosphorus. Additional watering is necessary during dry times.
Varieties of annual dahlias
Annual dahlias, the cultivation of which we are considering, decorate the site very well. Therefore, the choice of variety is an important stage. Popular varieties are known to many flower growers.
Among them are pompon, needle, star dahlias, the cultivation of which is no different.
“Bambino”
Dwarf species with double inflorescences. The diameter of one reaches 8 cm. The height of the bush is 25 cm. Great for pot planting, decorating borders and edges of flower beds. It blooms until late autumn, starting to delight with beautiful inflorescences from July. A seedling method of growing and sowing directly into the ground is possible.
“Dandy”
Also a variety of terry curb annual dahlias. The varied color of the inflorescences is originally set off by the “collar”. Low-growing bushes of annuals are used in discounts, framing plantings, for planting in pots.
“Funny boys”
A very popular variety of dahlias. Blooms profusely during the summer. Inflorescences in diameter reach 10 cm, and the flowers themselves differ in shape. They are simple or terry, with different colors, which is appreciated by summer residents. Indeed, by purchasing one variety of dahlias, you can get a whole multi-colored flower bed. The height of the flowers varies from 25 cm to 70 cm. Therefore, they perfectly play the role of both undersized and tall elements in decorating the dacha. Feature – do not form tubers.
Collared
Also a mixture of varieties of annual dahlias with different colors. The height of the bush reaches 60 cm. The name speaks of the structure of the flower, in which, in addition to a large inflorescence, there are narrow petals. Most often grown variety for cutting and decorating bouquets. It is better to choose the group landing option.
cactus
Tall meter bushes of this one-year-old dahlia are decorated with original flowers with petals resembling needles. Begins to bloom 4 months after sowing seeds. They look good both cut for a bouquet and in flower beds.
pompom
Terry annuals. Plants grow up to 90 cm in height, lush inflorescences of various colors. Dahlias are planted in groups to create a composition. Blooms from the second decade of July until frost.
Conclusion
When choosing a variety of dahlias, it is very good to read the reviews of summer residents who grow annuals in their plots. This will help you choose the right variety, decide on the purpose of beautiful flowers in the country and grow a luxurious bouquet of flowering dahlias.
