Garden Dahlia
dahlia pinnata
Also known as: ["Dahlia variabilis","Dahlia x cultorum"]
Overview
A popular ornamental plant known for its large, showy flowers in a wide range of colors and forms.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Dahlia |
| Botanical Name: | Dahlia pinnata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent tuber rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Throughout the growing season as needed; major pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with some afternoon shade in hot climates; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate pots for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, loamy soil
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Avoid heavy clay; ensure good aeration; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
60–75°F (15–24°C) during growth; tolerate mild frost but prefer warm conditions; adjust for seasonal changes.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer, none in winter
Apply fertilizer after watering; avoid over-fertilizing; use a low-nitrogen formula for blooms.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of tubers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings.
- Apply hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Spring, when new growth begins.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity, and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
4–6 weeks for roots; 2–3 months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead regularly; pinch back tips for bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms; trim leggy growth for bushier plants.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; remove spent blooms; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot with drainage holes; ensure 2–3 inches of space around tubers.
Method
Lift tubers carefully; trim dead parts; replant in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot tubers every 2–3 years or when crowded; divide if clumps become too large.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; inspect tubers; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture with finger; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure loose structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf yellowing or browning, stunted growth, bud drop, or wilting in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dormancy; prolonged cold can lead to root rot.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use frost cloth or mulch for protection; reduce watering in cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or bud drop due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute as directed; apply to moist soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3–4 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDahlia pinnata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicDahlia pinnata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicDahlia pinnata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are dahlias difficult to grow?
A: Dahlias are moderately easy to grow, requiring full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Q: Do dahlias come back every year?
A: In frost-free climates, dahlias are perennials. In colder regions, they are typically grown as annuals or their tubers must be dug up and stored over winter.
Q: Can dahlias be grown in containers?
A: Yes, smaller varieties of dahlias can be successfully grown in containers, provided they have adequate sunlight and water.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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