Finally came the spring and the long-awaited time of planting sets in. And flower lovers are beginning to wonder: when is it better to plant dahlias? Despite the possible recurrent frosts, the tubers can be planted already in early May. After all, they will be hidden under the earth's layer and will not freeze, but they will harden and form an excellent root system. And with the onset of heat from these tubers formed strong and beautiful dahlia bushes. You can plant dahlias before the usual time, but then you need to prepare a shelter for them in case of severe frost.
How to prepare dahlias for planting?
You can plant dahlias in two ways: sprouted tubers or seedlings. And the preparation for planting in both cases will be different.
In order to grow seedlings of dahlias, it is necessary in the spring, in the end of March, to get the divided tubers from their storage place, spread horizontally in plastic bags and slightly moisten, thus preparing them for planting. Packages should be tied, leaving small openings for air intake, and put in a bright place. Very soon on the tubers there will be powerful sprouts. Now they can be seated on separate cups or left in a package, falling asleep with wet sawdust. The most important thing at this time is a lot of sun and a minimum of moisture. If this is not ensured, the dahlia seedlings can stretch out and weaken.
From the middle of May, you can start planting seedlings under the film. And if you want to plant sprouted tubers of dahlia, then for this you need to make a bed about one meter wide. If the ground is dried, then the wells before planting should be well watered. And then horizontally lay the nodules with sprouts in the holes. Thus, the development of new roots from escape will be stimulated. You can not plant tubers vertically. In this case, the roots will not form on the young shoot, but on the old tuber, and the plant will not develop from them.
How to plant dahlias?
In spring, dahlias should be planted in places well-lit by the sun, but protected from winds. The dahlias, planted along fences or buildings, are well developed and beautifully bloomed among the trees in the garden, provided that at least half of the day they are lit by the sun. But at the same time planting dahlias under tall trees is unacceptable, since in this case the plants will be weak and not very flowering.
On a site with dahlias underground waters should not approach close to a soil surface. Before planting, the soil should be fertilized with manure mixed with peat or humus, any other organic materials that decompose well in the earth. On clay soils it is good to make sand, ash and other air-conducting materials. And if the soil is sandy, poorly retaining moisture, it is recommended to add clay or peat. Previously, the soil must be well dug and all weeds carefully removed. Near the pits for planting it is necessary to dig in advance the pegs in order to tie high bushes. If the stakes are digging, when the bush is already large, you can damage the root system of the dahlias, they will loosen and lose their decorativeness.
After planting, dahlias require regular and abundant watering, depending, of course, on weather conditions. Soil under the bushes
Dahl is considered a royal flower, so taking care of yourself requires careful: timely and abundant watering, fertilizing, good soil. If you meet all his requirements, then the dahlia will thank you with abundant flowering and exquisite beauty.