The flowers of yamahs come in a wide range of colors.Gardeners may be hesitant about planting them in pots due to their height and weight.Tall varieties need a stake for extra support and can thrive in large containers.You will enjoy gorgeous, showy blooms all summer long with the right growing conditions and a little care.
Step 1: Pick a species that suits your space.
Online or in a garden center, you can purchase dahlias.It's best to grow dwarf and low-growing varieties.You will need a bigger pot if you choose a tall species.The Bishop of Llandaff grows up to 3 feet (0.91 m) and Bednall Beauty is 2 feet (60 cm) tall.Larger varieties include Hadrian's Sunlight, which grows 4 feet (1.2 m) or higher.A single tuber requires about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) of space, so you will probably only need 1 per container.
Step 2: Pick out a pot that is at least 12 by 12 inches.
A heavy pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches (30 cm) should be used.Pots this size can hold up to 7 gallons of soil.For the largest varieties, go with a 24 by 24 inch pot, which usually holds 25 gallons of soil.
Step 3: If you have chosen a tall variety, choose a heavy pot.
The varieties that grow 3 to 5 feet (0.91) to 1.52 m) can become heavy, and a lightweight pot may not be strong enough to support their weight.The stake will add even more weight to tall varieties.Sturdy ceramic or terracotta pots are more lightweight than plastic containers.If terracotta and unglazed ceramic pots are left out during the winter, they can freeze and crack.
Step 4: If necessary, drill drainage holes.
If the container already has several drainage holes that allow excess water to drain, this step isn't necessary.If you only have one center hole in your pot, drill a few extra holes to improve drainage.Well-drained environments are where the dahlias grow best.Their fine roots are prone to rotting if the soil is too wet.To improve drainage, fill the bottom with 2 inches of gravel.
Step 5: Warm water and mild soap can be used to clean the pot.
A dirty pot could spread disease, and hidden insect eggs could be at the bottom of the pot.Cleaning the container will remove the threats.The trick is to use gentle soap and water.It's a good idea to thoroughly rinse away soap scum.It is important to wash the pot if you have used it before.
Step 6: A rich, well-draining potting mix is what you should choose.
Standard potting soil is porous and may lead to pour bud formation.If you want a good mix, combine 2 parts soil with 1 part moss or manure.The garden soil is not suitable for container plants.You need to purchase soil labeled for potted plants.
Step 7: In the middle of spring is when you should plant your dahlia tubers.
In the Northern Hemisphere, dailys should be planted in the spring or early summer.If there is no threat of freezing temperatures, keep the container outdoors.If your area is prone to frost in the spring and you don't want to wait to plant, start your dahlias indoors and then move them outside.
Step 8: The bottom of the pot should be lined with gravel.
It is possible to place gravel at the bottom of your pot if the layer is less than 1.3 cm deep.
Step 9: The container's rim is 13 to 18 cm tall.
The soil should not be tightly packed.Allow it to remain loose by pouring it into the container.The dahlias are like loose, well-draining soil.When you plant your tuber, you should leave 1 inch between the rim of the pot and the soil surface.Adding soil to within 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) of the rim is how to meet these measurements.
Step 10: Don't soak the soil, water it lightly.
The soil shouldn't get packed because it should be damp.Instead of using a garden hose, try watering the soil with a watering can.
Step 11: The top layer of soil needs to be fertilized.
If you mix thefertilizer into the soil where the roots will develop, it will give your plant a head start.Use a slow-release, general purpose fertilizer or go with an organic option, such as bone meal or seaweed.If you want to grow dahlias, you should use anyfertilizer recommended for flowering plants or vegetables.N-P-K numbers can be found in store-bought fertilizers.5-10-15, 5-10-10, and 10-20-20 are good choices for dahlias.Reduce the nitrogen value of thefertilizer over time if you use a higher value earlier in the season.If you read the instructions, use them as directed.
Step 12: There is a stake in the pot.
You will need a sturdy metal or wood stake to support a variety that is more than 3 feet tall.Before planting a tuber, place the stake in the soil.If you bury the stake after planting, you will hurt the tuber.The tuber will be placed next to the stake in the soil.Pick a stake that touches the bottom of the pot and extends at least 3 feet above the soil's surface.A 4 foot stake is needed for a 12 inch (30 cm) pot.As it grows, tie the stem to the stake.
Step 13: The tuber can be planted on its side.
The tuber should be placed in the middle of the pot.The eye is where the stalks will grow, so place the tuber on a slight angle so the eye faces upward.The tuber has a bud on the opposite side of its roots.
Step 14: The tuber should be covered with about 1 inch of pre-moistened soil.
Don't bury the tuber with a lot of soil just yet.If you want the stalks to grow, cover it with a layer of damp soil.
Step 15: Water new sprout lightly, but be careful not to drown them.
Put your finger in the soil.Don't add any more water if it feels moist.Sprinkle some warm water on the surface if it's dry.If you soak the soil, the young tuber will rot.Unless you live in a hot climate, you don't need to water until the leaves emerge from the soil.
Step 16: As the stalks grow, add small amounts of soil.
Since it is still fragile, make sure to do so carefully.Keep the leaves above the soil by covering the new stalks with a little soil.Continue to add small amounts of soil until there is 1 inch of empty space between the top of the soil and the pot.Within 2 weeks, you will see substantial foliage.It takes about 8 weeks for blooms to appear.
Step 17: The pot should be kept in the full sun.
Direct sunlight lasts 6 to 8 hours.Pick a spot that gets full sun from the morning through midday.If you live in a hot climate, try to find a spot that provides shade from the intense afternoon light.If you keep your dahlia indoors, you need to use fluorescent plant lights.If you are starting a plant indoors in early spring, you will need supplemental lighting.Set the light 6 inches above the top of the pot for newly planted tuber and raise it as the plants grow.
Step 18: Once the stalks extend above the rim of the pot, water the tubers deeply.
They should be watered 2 or 3 times a week.Plants growing in hot, dry climates may need daily watering.The soil should be moist and not soggy.
Step 19: The stake should be tied to the stalks when they reach a height of 1 foot (30 cm).
Attach the stalks to the stake with twine or nylon string.The stake should be tied to the stalks in 1 foot (30 cm) intervals.
Step 20: The flowers should be fertilized once every 2 weeks.
If you want a liquid fertilizer with higher concentrations, go for it.8-24-16 and 0-20-20 are good N-P-K combinations.Blood production and root development are encouraged by higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium.According to the instructions on the label, apply your product.
Step 21: Prune and deadhead to encourage growth.
The flowers last 4 to 6 days.You can clip spent flowers to encourage more bloom production.In the Northern Hemisphere, the bottom leaves should be removed by the middle of summer.When the plant is 16 inches tall, pinch the tips back to encourage a bushier growth.Air circulation is improved by removing the leaves.
Step 22: It's a good idea to spray your dahlia with an insecticidal agent.
There are a number of pests that can be found in dahlias.Once the plant grows to a height of 6 inches (15 cm), apply a combination of insecticide and mite every 7 to 10 days.There are chemicals labelled for flowering plants at your local garden center.As directed, apply your product.For a more natural approach, use organic insecticides.
Step 23: During winter, store the tuber in a dry place.
The first freeze will kill the plant.The stalks should be cut to a height of 6 inches (15 cm).After 2 weeks, dig out the tuber from the pot.Let it air dry for a day, then pack it in paper, sawdust, or perlite.You can store the tuber in a dark place during the winter and replant it in the spring.