Dahlia Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje' (Anem)

Water

Dahlias require consistent moisture for optimal growth, so it is important to water them regularly while being careful not to overwater. Water your Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje' deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions. During the hot summer months, your plant may need more frequent watering, especially if the top inch of the soil feels dry. It's best to water in the early morning to allow foliage to dry before evening, which can help prevent disease. Reduce watering towards the end of the growing season as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Light

Dahlias thrive in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. Your Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje' will perform best in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds but still gets plenty of direct sunlight. Too much shade can result in a weakened plant with fewer blooms, so always opt for the sunniest location available.

Temperature

Dahlias prefer temperatures that range from approximately 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can tolerate higher temperatures but may require additional watering to prevent stress. Your Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje' can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's crucial to protect the plant from frost, which can damage or kill it. Ideal growing conditions would involve warm days and cooler nights.

Pruning

Pruning Dahlias, like the Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje', is necessary to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 12 to 16 inches tall to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. The best time to prune Dahlias is in late winter when you can remove any dead or damaged stems before the new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias require well-draining soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlias should consist of a balanced blend of loam, peat moss, and sand, or a mix with compost and perlite. It's crucial to avoid overly wet conditions which can lead to tuber rot.

Repotting

Dahlias, particularly varieties like 'Asahi Chohje', should be repotted annually, usually in the spring after the last frost date. This is because they are grown from tubers that can become too large for their existing container or may need to be divided.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity conditions. They do best when the humidity level ranges from 40% to 70%. While they can tolerate some variance in humidity, extremes should be avoided to prevent problems such as mildew.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, rich soil; deadhead for continual blooms.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje', commonly known as just Dahlia, starts with a tuber planted after the last frosts of spring. When soil temperatures reach around 60°F (15°C), the tuber begins to sprout and grow into a stem with leaves. As the plant matures during the warm months, it develops buds that bloom into vibrant, ornamental flowers typically from midsummer through fall until the first frost. After flowering, if not deadheaded, the plant may produce seeds, but Dahlias are often propagated by dividing the tubers in the fall. Once the first frost hits, the above-ground portion of the plant dies back, and the tubers can be left in the ground in warmer climates or dug up, stored in a cool, frost-free place, and overwintered for replanting the next spring. In the subsequent season, the cycle begins anew with the planted tubers sprouting once the conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Asahi Chohje', commonly known as the Anemone Dahlia, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. This process usually takes place in the springtime, just before the last expected frost date when the tubers start to sprout and have at least one eye, or growth point, per division. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a fork or shovel, taking care not to damage the delicate structures. Gently brush off the soil and divide the clump with a sharp knife or spade, ensuring each section has at least one eye. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced around 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Once the tubers are established and showing consistent growth, they will begin to develop into mature plants over the growing season.