Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes' Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes' (WL)

Water

Dahlias, including 'Allan Sparkes', prefer consistently moist soil, which typically means watering about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. It's best to water these flowers early in the day, allowing the foliage to dry before nightfall to reduce the risk of disease. During the active growing season, especially if the weather is particularly hot or dry, the frequency of watering may need to increase. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots and avoid overhead watering, which can promote disease. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure the soil is not waterlogged, slightly dry is better than too wet.

Light

Dahlias like 'Allan Sparkes' thrive best in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is an area that receives ample morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of late afternoon sun, especially in very hot climates. These plants can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may reduce blooming and can cause leggy growth.

Temperature

Dahlias, such as 'Allan Sparkes', prefer growing in warm conditions with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. They can survive temperatures as low as the upper 20s°F but frost will kill the foliage, and they cannot withstand hard freezes. Overwintering tubers require storage in a frost-free area. The ideal conditions for growing these plants include consistently warm days and cool nights for the most vigorous growth and best flowering.

Pruning

Prune Dahlias like 'Allan Sparkes' to promote bushier growth, larger blooms, and prevent potential disease. Pinch back the main stem when the plant reaches about 16 inches tall to encourage lateral branching. Remove spent flowers regularly (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Pruning is best done from early to mid-growth season, and any dead or diseased stems should be removed as soon as they are noticed to maintain plant health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer a fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix for Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes' would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients for optimal growth and flowering.

Repotting

Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes' should be repotted typically every spring as they are tuberous plants. The tubers can be divided during repotting to propagate new plants. Ensure you provide fresh soil and a larger pot if the tubers have outgrown the previous one to encourage healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes' do not require high humidity and are quite adaptable to normal outdoor conditions. They can tolerate a range of humidity levels as long as they are well-watered and have good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright indirect light, good air flow, and consistent watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure good drainage, and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes' begins with the planting of tubers in spring after the threat of frost has passed. It enters a growth phase, where the shoots emerge from the soil and the plant develops leaves and a sturdy stem. As it matures during the summer, it produces vibrant, colorful flowers that can be used for cuttings, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the dahlias reach a state of dormancy in the autumn when the foliage begins to die back following the first frosts. The tubers are then either left in the ground with protective mulch in milder climates or dug up, stored, and overwintered in a frost-free place for colder regions. In the subsequent spring, the cycle begins anew with the replanting or re-emergence of the stored tubers.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Allan Sparkes', commonly known as Dahlia, is commonly propagated through division, which is the most popular method. This involves splitting the tuberous roots of the plant during the dormant period, typically in the early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully dig up the stored tubers, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. The cut surfaces are typically allowed to heal for a day or two to prevent rot. The divisions are then planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart (about 46 to 61 centimeters). Adequate watering and protection from frost will ensure the newly planted tubers develop a strong root system and healthy top growth.