Dahlia is a genus of perennial plants native to Mexico and Central America that are bushy, tuberous, and herbaceous. Sunflowers, daisies, chrysanthemums, and zinnias are among its garden relatives.
Dahlia, commonly known as garden dahlia, is a flower species that is also used as a name for children, particularly daughters. Because the Swedish word dal means valley, dahlias are frequently referred to as valley flowers. The Dahlia is a well-liked wedding flower because it symbolises enduring links of devotion.
See also: Tips to grow and take care of anthurium
Dahlia flower: Significant facts
| Species Name | Dahlia |
| Family Name | Asteraceae |
| Common Varieties | Orchids, collarette, anemone, peony, etc. |
| Height | 5-30 cm tall |
| Scientific name | Dahlia hortensis |
| Distribution Range | Mexico, South America, Central America, Guatemala |
| Uses | Dahlia plants were originally used as a foraged food source and water-carrying device. |
| Environmental Impact | Positive |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Best season for growth | Summer |
Source: Pinterest
see also: all about Chrysanthemums
Dahlia flower: Physical description
Dahlias come in 42 different species, with hybrids being popular garden plants. Flower forms vary, with one head per stem that can be as small as 5 cm (2 in) in diameter or as large as 30 cm (1 ft) in diameter (“dinner plate”). Dahlias have eight sets of homologous chromosomes, whereas most plants only have two because they are octoploids. Dahlias also have a large number of transposons or genetic elements that move around on an allele, which adds to their high level of variability.
Dahlia flower: Popular varieties
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Laciniated dahlia
Laciniated dahlias get their name from the split, or laciniation, that appears at the end of each petal. This gives them a frilly appearance as if they were cut with pinking shears. The petals are evenly spaced and can be involute or revolute.
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Ball
Ball dahlias bloom in the shape of a sphere and have totally double flowers; however, some kinds may have a slightly flattened face. Petals typically grow in a spiral pattern, with margins that can be blunt, indented, or rounded.
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Miniature Ball
Miniature ball dahlias have sphere-like, fully double blossoms, just like the larger ball variety. Petals may be indented, round, blunt, and partially or completely involute. Compared to their larger siblings, miniature ball dahlias are smaller.
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Pompon
Pompoms, like ball dahlias, have fully double flower heads. They are, however, more globular in shape and smaller in size, measuring only about 2 inches. Pompon petals can either be entirely or partially involute along more than half of their length.
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Stellar
Stellar dahlias are fully double with grading differences between immature and mature florets. Ray florets that are immature are narrow and partially involute.
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Waterlily
Waterlily dahlias appear flat from the side due to their double blooms and symmetrical placement. A closed, dome-shaped centre is surrounded by four to seven rows of outer ray florets. Petals are typically broad, flat, or slightly cupped, and incurved to about one-third the flower’s diameter.
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Peony
Peony dahlias, unlike waterlily dahlias, have an open centre and are single flowering. They also have two or more petals rings surrounding a disc of tiny, tube-shaped florets. Petals that grow around the disc are frequently curled, twisted, small, or otherwise shaped irregularly.
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Anemone
Rows of (usually flat) petals surround a densely petaled central disc, identifying Anemone dahlias. The disc is made up of tightly packed, colourful, tubular petals that grow in a pincushion-like domed shape.
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Collarette
Collarette dahlias are made up of one row of flat or slightly cupped petals. A smaller ring of petaloids, usually less than half the length of the outer petals, encircles the central disc.
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Orchid
Orchid dahlias have one row (single) or two rows (double) of petals that are evenly spaced around a central disc. At least two-thirds of the petal length is partially involute, and one-third of the length is completely involute. Petals may be overlapping.
Dahlia flower: How to grow
- Planting wrinkled or rotten dahlia tubers should be avoided. Pink “eyes” (buds) or a little green growth are both positive indicators.
- Plant large dahlias and those grown solely for cut flowers in a separate plot free of competition from other plants. Plant tubers in rows 3 feet apart. Dahlias make a nice flowering hedge and will support each other if planted about 1 foot apart.
- Plant medium- to low-height dahlias, typically 3 feet tall, along with other summer flowers. Place them 2 feet apart.
- Plant the tiniest bedding dahlias raised from seed 9 to 12 inches apart.
- Begin by digging a 6- to 8-inch-deep hole in which to plant the tubers.
- Place a tuber in the hole so that the growing points, or “eyes,” are facing up.
- Individual dahlia tubers should not be broken or cut (as you would with potatoes).
- 2 to 3 inches of soil should be applied to the tuber. (Some say 1 inch is sufficient.)
- Fill in the stem with soil as it sprouts until it reaches ground level.
- Water the tubers immediately after planting. This promotes decay. Wait until the sprouts appear above the soil before watering.
Propagation & repotting
Repotting: Dahlia tubers (thickened, underground stems) should be replanted in early spring, about eight weeks before the last frost. This gives the plant an advantage, allowing it to produce full, healthy blooms by summer.
Propagation: Dahlias can be propagated using seeds, tubers, or cuttings. If you choose to propagate with cuttings, snip off the bottom set of leaves and place them in a pot with good drainage. Keep the pot warm and moist, and the cutting will take root in a few weeks.
Source: Pinterest
Dahlia flowers: Maintenance
Dahlias are beautiful, reasonably easy-to-grow spring and summer flowers that are perfect for bringing colour to your landscape. Keep a watch on them, especially in the early phases of growth, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures and require full sunlight.
Sunlight
A minimum of six to eight hours a day of direct sunlight are required for dahlias. If you reside in a hotter region, place the plant in a somewhat shaded spot during the hottest portion of the afternoon.
Water
Dahlias, unlike many other flowers, don’t need much water. The plant will normally thrive if you reside in an area with summer rainfall. Otherwise, deep water once or twice a week. You’ll want to keep the soil moist at all times — if the top layer is dry, it’s a sign that the plant needs to be watered.
Pests and issues
Pests: Earwigs, thrips, and caterpillars are attracted to dahlias. They are also a favourite of slugs, who feed on dahlias when they are young and small. If you have a slug problem, you should reconsider planting dahlias or find a slug-free location for them.
Problems: Including many other plants, dahlias are prone to fungus-related ailments like powdery mildew, which is prevalent in hot, dry areas. This can be identified by white, dusty splotches of powder on the leaves of your plant. To treat this, you can either cut off the infected parts of the plant or apply a fungicide.
Dahlia flower: Uses
- Tubers were used in pre-Spanish Mexico due to their high fructose and inulin content.
- Aztecs used petals and tubers to treat infected grazes, rashes, and skin cracks.
- The skin of tubers is high in antibiotic compounds.
- The crushed and mashed petals are used to relieve stings and insect bites.
- To relieve tired feet, soak the petals in a foot soak.
- The flowers are used to treat epilepsy by the Aztecs.
- Dahlias became religiously associated with the resurrection of Jesus during the Victorian era. They were also thought to be a symbol of the everlasting life promised to faithful followers.
- The Dahlia flower has a completely different meaning in Thai culture than it does in the rest of the world. While the flowers thrive as a perennial there because of the warm temperatures, many people avoid giving them as gifts because of their symbolism.
- Dahlia flowers are a popular wedding bouquet addition for modern brides who want colour options that other, more traditional options do not provide.
Dahlia flower: Toxicity
Though dahlias are not highly toxic to pets, you should keep these blooms away from them because they can cause unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. If you intend to plant your dahlias in the garden or keep them in a vase, consider where you will place them if you have a curious pet at home.
FAQs
Can dahlias be left in the ground over the winter?
Dahlias cannot tolerate cold temperatures because they are warm-weather plants. Even if everything above ground dies during the winter, the bulbs will remain warm underground.
What is the best way to keep dahlias blooming?
Keeping your dahlias in full sunlight is ideal, but partially shaded areas can also support dahlia blooms. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil.
Do dahlias return year after year?
Yes, because dahlias are perennials, they can resprout from their underground tubers and bloom every year in the summer.