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Dahlias can be found in every area. The largest variety of species is divided according to the shape, structure and degree of doubleness of the flower. Among the varieties currently grown by summer residents, the pompon dahlia, a very spectacular flower, occupies a special place. Its spherical inflorescences reach a diameter of about 7 cm. The difference from other dahlias is clearly visible in the shape of the petals, which are rolled into a tube along the entire length. In some varieties, they are folded inward and overlapped, resembling roof tiles.
The pompon dahlia, which has a very wide variety of inflorescence colors, still does not have a blue color. But it can surprise you with the play of tone, changing from the edge to the center of the flower or vice versa.
The shape of the pompon dahlia looks like a low bush with strong shoots.
Beautiful oval leaves harmoniously frame fluffy inflorescences. Among the features of pompon dahlia varieties, their sensitivity to frost should be noted. As soon as there is a sudden drop in temperature in the fall, the leaves and flowers of dahlias immediately die off.But in the summer they delight all season with their bright spherical inflorescences.
An amazing pompom flower is grown from seeds. This process can be done even by novice flower growers.
Growing Pom Pom Dahlias
The very first stage is to find a place for a flower bed with beautiful flowers. Although many people like to grow pom pom dahlias as a frame or border. In any case, you will have to find a sunny area with nutritious soil. If the location is known in advance, then add organic matter to the soil in the fall so that there is less hassle with fertilizers in the spring.
Now we need to choose a variety of pompom flowers that are suitable for decorating the dacha area. Dahlias are grown as perennials and annual flowers. If you don’t want to bother with digging up tubers or storing them, then growing from seeds every year is a good option.
Many gardeners, in general, prefer the seedling method for pompom dahlias. In this case, dahlias are planted in open ground earlier than with direct sowing. As a result, they bloom much earlier.
For annual cultivation, pompon dahlia seeds are sown in early April. If you sow a variety that is already familiar to you and want to continue growing it, then sowing is postponed to the beginning of March. Then the plants will have time to form small tubers, ready for storage and planting for the next season.
To sow pompom dahlia seeds for seedlings, you will need soil mixture, containers and seeds.
Let's start sowing
It is necessary to pour soil into the container for seedlings of pompom dahlias.Purchased or a mixture of sand, humus and turf soil in equal parts is suitable. Another option is peat, sand, perlite.
The soil is calcined and disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate, Fitosporin or other drugs of the same group.
The seeds of these flowers are not small, so sowing them is not problematic. Place two pompom dahlia seeds in one tablet.
The soil is moistened and dahlia seeds are laid out on the surface, sprinkled with a little soil and pressed down. Lightly moisten with a spray bottle and cover the container with glass or film.
In order for dahlia seeds to germinate on time and amicably, they will have to be provided with a temperature of at least 26°C. If you sow several varieties, mark their emergence with labels or colored bookmarks.
In a week, maximum 10 days, shoots will appear. As soon as this happens, immediately remove the film or glass and move the container to a lighted place. In cloudy weather, provide additional light to the seedlings, otherwise you will end up with elongated seedlings.
If the dahlia seedlings turn out to be thickened, pick. Although this procedure is recommended for any type of seedling. The pompom dahlia is no exception. Diving will improve the conditions for the growth of the root system and allow the seedlings to become stronger. It is carried out in the phase of two to four true leaves.
Before picking seedlings of pompom varieties, the soil is disinfected with a hot solution of potassium permanganate. Its composition should be identical to the soil in which the seeds were sown.
Now the seedlings need proper care. Watering should be moderate. If water stagnates or is over-watered, pompon dahlia seedlings may suffer from a fungal infection.
Before planting in the ground, it is better to harden the seedlings. This will help them adapt to new conditions more easily and settle down faster. Seedlings of pompom varieties are planted in warm soil even when the possibility of return frosts has passed. When transplanting, try not to destroy the lump of earth around the roots. In the first days, the bed is covered from the nighttime drop in temperature.
Further care for the plants consists of watering and fertilizing (if necessary).
Water pompom dahlias as the soil dries out, avoiding overwatering. It must be remembered that excess moisture causes fungal diseases in dahlias, and a deficiency leads to drying out of the foliage.
Varieties of pompom dahlias for summer cottages
"Mixture of colors"
Dahlia pompom “Mixture of colors” is distinguished among its fellows by its bright inflorescences and the duration of flowering. The height of the bush is about a meter, so in order to get flowering in July, it is better to grow it in seedlings. One packet of seeds is guaranteed to contain double flowers of different colors. It will delight you with lush flowers until October. The distance between plants is from 30 to 50 cm. The first or central flowers are slightly double.
In order to obtain high-quality inflorescences in the future, it is better to remove them. In the same way, it is necessary to remove faded inflorescences in a timely manner. They require weeding at the beginning of growth and periodic feeding. When sown early, they form tubers that allow the variety to be grown as a perennial.
"Terry ball"
One of the annual varieties is the pompom dahlia “Terry Ball”. The diameter of the inflorescences in the mixture ranges from 5 to 7 cm. The stems are strong, not bendable, and hold the inflorescences well.Among the characteristics of the variety, resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions should be noted. Loves warmth and light, fertile and well-drained soil. It can be grown either by seedlings or by sowing in the ground. It blooms all summer and responds well to fertilizing and loosening the soil.
Several more varieties of pompom dahlias for growing in summer cottages:
"White Nordlicht"
Yellow “Krokha” with rowan tips
"Gretchen Heine" in light pink color
Tall representatives:
"Ankress"
"Fatima"
Dwarf varieties:
"Willo's Surprise"
"Small World"
Conclusion
Choose the variety of pompom dahlias you like for your site. It will not be difficult to grow them, and the beauty and comfort of your dacha will immediately increase. Many species are so attractive that they become favorite flowers and are constantly grown.
