Beautiful blooms in a variety of shapes and colors, dahlias are one of the most attractive summer flowers in the garden. So that they can optimally develop their splendor, they need a sunny and warm location.
Table of Contents
The perfect dahlia location
In view of the great abundance of different varieties, many collectors are gripped by a passion for collecting. Dahlias ( Dahlia ), also known as georgines in Northern Germany, impress with an immense variety of shapes, sizes and colors of their flower heads. In addition, the summer flowers – depending on the variety – bloom for a very long time between June and October.
If you want to enjoy this splendor, you have to consider the origin of the plants with regard to the location. Dahlias are native to Central and South America and were cultivated before the arrival of Europeans. A location is ideal for dahlias
- directly in full sun
- sunny all day if possible
- if necessary, is in the sun for most hours of the day
- is warm and sheltered from the wind
Only in such a place do the tropical plants form their magnificent flower heads. In partial shade or even shade, neither sufficient leaf material (important for a healthy, strong plant!) nor a particularly large number of flowers will develop. On the contrary, in the absence of sun, dahlias remain slender and underdeveloped. If flowers form at all, they are significantly smaller and less colorful than healthy plants. All dahlia varieties are outright sun worshipers.
floor
Georgians also have high demands when it comes to soil. In order for the flowers to thrive in the field, a substrate with these properties is recommended:
- nutritious, humic
- loose, well drained
- pH around 6.5
Basically, a pH value of less than 7, ie as slightly acidic as possible, is ideal for the dahlia. In the case of medium-heavy to heavy, loamy or clayey soils, you should also ensure good drainage and work up these subsoils with plenty of mature compost and sand. Dahlia tubers are very sensitive to moisture and will rot quickly if the soil is too wet. For this reason, you should not mulch in beds or borders with dahlia bulbs. While the mulch suppresses weeds, it also retains moisture in the soil, causing the tubers to rot.
Dahlias in the bucket
Georgians can not only be cultivated outdoors, but also very well in a large bucket. You can decorate the terrace or balcony with the beautiful flowers or change the location if necessary, for example because there are no sunny spots in your garden and you therefore move the planter regularly.
Dahlias in pots have the same requirements for their location as planted specimens:
- as full sun as possible
- loose, humus rich soil
- it is suitable for planting or rose soil
- humus-rich balcony plant soil can also be used
- Mix in clay granules for water drainage
- Horn shavings or horn meal as a nitrogen reserve
By the way, you can also keep the summer flowers as indoor plants: choose beautiful dwarf dahlias for this, as they are easier to care for on the windowsill. If possible, place the pot directly behind a south-facing window, as it is particularly bright here.
