Content
Dahlias are very beautiful flowers that are loved by many summer residents. 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-lasting; 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 from seeds is possible in two ways:
- Direct sowing 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 the weather has already improved at this time, so you can 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 may not bloom at all in the first year.
- Uniformity and duration of flowering. Annual dahlias from seeds produce their beautiful inflorescences until frost.
- There is no need to dig up tubers and comply with their storage conditions.
- Easy to care for, suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Dahlias grow well in regions with different climates.
Many gardeners grow annual varieties as perennials. To do this, strictly adhere to sowing dates 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.
Initial stages of cultivation
How to grow annual dahlias, planting and care, growing seedlings - all these questions concern novice gardeners.
Before you start sowing seed, it is necessary to prepare the site in advance. First, choose a sunny place with neutral soil. Slightly acidic also works well. In case of strong acidification, we carry out alkalization measures. Before planting, dig up the soil, add humus and sand (for dense soil). The next stage is growing seedlings.
- We decide on the variety of annuals for the site. It is necessary to carefully select flowers according to 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 flowering time and appearance of the plant. The bags with the mixture contain plants with different colors of inflorescences.You also need to obtain information when to plant plants in open ground or sow seedlings. Flowering time depends on the height of the plant. The taller the dahlias, the later they will delight you with their flowering.
- After selecting high-quality dahlia seeds, we prepare containers and soil mixture for annual seedlings. Plants respond well to a mixture of such components - sand, perlite and peat. Don't forget about drainage. Each container must have a hole to allow moisture to drain out. Fill the pots with soil.
- To grow quality seedlings, seeds can be prepared, although this method is optional. To prepare, they are soaked in a solution of aloe juice and water (1:2) overnight before sowing.
- Place the seeds in a nutritious soil mixture, sprinkle lightly with soil on top and cover with glass or film. For seed germination, a temperature of +27°C is required.
- 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.
The seedlings do not require too much attention and tolerate careful transplanting and diving. Therefore, the next important stage is picking the grown seedlings.
Picking seedlings of annual dahlias and caring for them
Grown seedlings need to be pruned. This is necessary to strengthen the root system, provide the seedlings with nutrients and protect the seedlings from being pulled out. The best time is two weeks after germination. The seedlings are planted in a separate container with a nutrient mixture.It is prepared with the addition of another important component to the first composition - turf soil. The mixture must contain at least 50% turf soil. Young plants “get used” to life in open ground.
Picking or planting of annual seedlings is carried out with a deepening to the first leaves. Picked seedlings are immediately watered with a weak concentration of potassium permanganate solution.
After the seedlings take root, it is necessary to feed the plants. Any complex of mineral fertilizers will do, only the dose for seedlings is half the recommended one.
The seedlings grow quickly. To prevent dahlias from stretching, pinch over the 4th pair of leaves.
Caring for seedlings is not burdensome. Withstand moderate watering to prevent water stagnation and plant rotting. Before planting young seedlings for permanent residence, it is imperative that they be hardened off. Containers with seedlings are taken out onto the balcony or into the yard, gradually lengthening the “walk” time.
As soon as the threat of return of frost has passed, 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 have become stronger and will be able to endure this stage of their life quite easily. But you still need to make sure that the roots are not damaged. A couple of hours before the procedure, the seedlings are watered. Paper and peat containers are buried along with the plants. From plastic, it is better to transfer seedlings with a lump 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-sized dahlias, 50 cm between bushes is enough; low-growing ones are placed at intervals of 25 cm. When planting dahlias, add wood ash and compost (2 tablespoons each) to the holes. Be sure to mulch young plants.
In regions with a cool climate or unstable weather, the planted seedlings are covered with geotextiles or film cover until the seedlings become stronger.
Before dwelling on the rules for caring for seedlings after transplantation, we will consider growing from seeds by direct sowing into the ground.
For this method, a site for planting is selected and prepared. Sow seeds in moist soil according to the recommended scheme. Cover with film 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 in dry times.
Varieties of annual dahlias
Annual dahlias, the cultivation of which we are considering, decorate the site very well. Therefore, choosing a variety is an important step. Popular varieties are known to many gardeners.
Among them there are pompom, needle-shaped, star-shaped 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. Excellent for potted planting, decorating borders and the edges of flower beds. It blooms until late autumn, beginning to delight with beautiful inflorescences from July. A seedling method of growing and sowing directly into the ground is possible.
"Dandy"
Also a type of terry annual border dahlias. The varied colors of the inflorescences are originally set off by the “collar”. Low-growing annual bushes are used in borders, planting frames, and for planting in pots.
"Funny boys"
A very popular variety of dahlias. They bloom luxuriantly during the summer. The inflorescences reach 10 cm in diameter, and the flowers themselves differ in shape. They can be simple or terry, with different colors, which is valued by summer residents. After all, 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 serve as both low-growing and tall elements in decorating a dacha. Feature - they do not form tubers.
Collar
Also a mixture of annual dahlia varieties with different colors. The height of the bush reaches 60 cm. The name speaks of the structure of the flower, which, in addition to a large inflorescence, has narrow petals. The variety is most often grown for cutting and decorating bouquets. It is better to choose the group planting option.
Cactus
The meter-tall bushes of this annual dahlia are decorated with original flowers with petals resembling needles. It begins to bloom 4 months after sowing the seeds. They look good both cut for a bouquet and in flower beds.
Pompom
Terry annuals. Plants grow up to 90 cm in height, with lush inflorescences of various colors. Dahlias are planted in groups to create a composition. It blooms from the second decade of July until frost.
Conclusion
When choosing a dahlia variety, it is very good to read reviews from summer residents who grow annuals on their plots. This will help you choose the right variety, decide on the purpose of beautiful flowers in your dacha, and grow a luxurious bouquet of blooming dahlias.
