Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford' Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford' (Misc)

Water

Dahlias, including the 'Bishop of Oxford' variety, should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, but the frequency should be regulated to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Generally, dahlias should be watered with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week, depending on the weather conditions; more in hot, dry periods and less if it's cool or rainy. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. Always avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. During the peak summer months, you may need to water a couple of times a week, while in cooler periods, once a week or less often could suffice.

Light

Dahlias like 'Bishop of Oxford' thrive in a location where they can receive full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. They prefer a spot that is sheltered from strong winds but still ensures plenty of direct sunlight. If you're planting them in a garden bed, make sure it's an area that is not overshadowed by taller plants or structures during the day.

Temperature

Dahlias such as the 'Bishop of Oxford' perform best in temperate conditions and can generally tolerate a range between 60°F and 75°F. They are not frost-hardy and should be protected or lifted in colder climates where temperatures drop below 50°F. The ideal growing temperatures for Dahlias are between 70°F and 75°F, which encourage optimal growth and blooming.

Pruning

Pruning Dahlias like 'Bishop of Oxford' is essential to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Cut back the stems to a set of leaves to keep the plant looking tidy. Pruning usually starts once the plants have a few sets of leaves and continues throughout the blooming season. It's best to prune in the morning when the plant is well hydrated.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias require a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix can be made by combining two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.

Repotting

Dahlias grown in pots, like the 'Bishop of Oxford', should generally be repotted every year in the spring when new growth begins to ensure they have enough space to grow and sufficient nutrients.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity conditions but are quite adaptable. They don't require any special humidity considerations as long as they're grown in well-ventilated locations.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, sturdy pot, ample space.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, rich soil, regular watering, staking.

• Hardiness zone

  8-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford' begins with the planting of tubers in spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. The tubers sprout stems and leaves, and the plant undergoes vegetative growth, developing a bushy structure with dark foliage distinctive of this variety. Through the summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing vibrant, orange-red blossoms that attract pollinators until the first frost. After flowering, the plant begins to die back as temperatures drop in autumn. Before winter, the tubers are typically dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, frost-free place to overwinter. The cycle resumes the following spring when the tubers are replanted to start the process anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method for propagating the Dahlia 'Bishop of Oxford' is through its tubers. Dahlias are typically propagated by dividing tuberous roots in the spring just before planting. To do this, one should only divide tubers that have at least one eye, which is a small bud from which the new plant will grow. The cutting tool used should be clean and sharp to avoid infection and damage to the tubers. It is important to let the cut surfaces dry for a few days to form a callous, which helps prevent rot when planted. Once calloused, the tubers can be planted about 4 to 6 inches deep (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters), ensuring the eye is facing upwards. This allows the 'Bishop of Oxford' dahlia to start a new growth cycle and eventually flower in the same season.