Pinching and pinching dahlias are ways to form a bush. Using these techniques, you can grow a lush, profusely flowering bush or get a plant with one huge flower.
Bush formation methods
Topping
Pinching and pinching are used only for tall and medium-sized dahlias. Border, small-flowered and pompom dahlias do not require formation, the shape of the bush is genetically laid down in them.
The weather during pinching should be dry, it is advisable to pinch and pinch in the morning after the dew has dried. High humidity contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora. Since pinching implies a violation of the integrity of the shell, microorganisms easily penetrate into the plant.
Pinching helps:
- Get early flowering;
- Increase the size of the flowers;
- Save the plant strength for tuber formation;
- Increase the decorativeness of the bushes.
Dahlias are pinched to stop the growth of the main stem and stimulate the formation of additional branches. If the bush is left without pinching, you get a trunk with three peduncles at the top. The plant will spend all its vitality on the growth of the main flower, the rest of the buds will most likely not be able to bloom.
After pinching the main stem, lateral ones begin to develop. Each stem is capable of producing up to three large buds. First, the central bud blooms, then alternately the side buds. The bush after pinching grows sprawling, with a large number of flowers.
The pinching of the main stem is carried out after the appearance of the fourth pair of leaves. The part of the dahlia above the leaves is broken out or cut off with a knife. It is advisable to carry out this procedure as early as possible in order to preserve the strength of the plant.
When the side branches grow, the procedure can be repeated. The most productive upper branches, the lower shoots are not left for flowering. Pinching is carried out after the formation of the second or third pair of leaves, when 3-4 lateral branches are formed on the stem, pinching is no longer carried out. All growing shoots must be removed as soon as possible.
In addition to pinching the stems, pinching the lower leaves, extra sprouts from the tuber and buds is also used. The lower leaves are cut off for hygienic purposes, the buds – to increase the decorativeness of the flower.
In dahlia bushes, all lower leaves are removed to facilitate the ventilation of the stems and prevent fungal infections. In this case, the root neck develops correctly, which contributes to better storage of tubers in winter.
Tall dahlias are most often formed into 3 stems. There are much more sprouts on the tuber, the extra ones must be removed. Usually they are cut as close to the tuber as possible. It is necessary to treat the cut with fungicides.
Extra buds are removed to get one large flower on an even stem. Such flowers are used for cutting, for making bouquets, where the dahlia is the soloist. Also, large flowers are important for show specimens.
Pasynkovanie
Pasynkovanie – is the removal of sprouts growing from each pair of leaves. If all the sprouts are left on the bush, this will greatly weaken the plant. Flowering will come much later, most of the buds will not have time to bloom. The tubers of a weakened dahlia do not store well in winter.
Forging:
- Stimulates flowering;
- Promotes the accumulation of nutrients by the tuber;
- Improves the appearance of the plant.
Passing is carried out selectively. The top shoots can be left to get a longer flowering. It must be borne in mind that a large number of dahlia shoots will not be able to provide nutrients.
Lateral shoots grow quickly enough. As a rule, stepsoning is carried out 3-4 times a month, depending on the growth rate.
Having figured out how to properly form dahlias, it is easy to grow a flower suitable for any purpose, which will bring real joy to its owner.
