Dahlia Dahlia 'City of Leiden' (S-c)

Water

Dahlias should be watered deeply, with a focus on keeping the soil moist but not soggy. A general rule for 'City of Leiden' dahlias is to provide about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. In the heat of the summer, you may need to water the plants two to three times per week, especially if the weather is very dry or hot. Always water at the base of the plant to help prevent fungal diseases which can arise from wet foliage. During particularly hot spells, you might need to increase watering frequency, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.

Light

Dahlias thrive in a location with full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. 'City of Leiden' dahlias will perform the best when planted in an area that receives ample morning sunlight and some protection from the intense heat of the late afternoon sun. Avoid placing them in full shade as this will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.

Temperature

'City of Leiden' dahlias grow best in temperate conditions and prefer a range of 60-75°F. They can survive a temporary dip to around 50°F but colder temperatures can damage the plant. Dahlia tubers should not be planted outside until all danger of frost has passed, normally when the soil temperature reaches about 60°F. They should be lifted or protected once the temperature drops consistently below 50°F in fall.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias, such as the 'City of Leiden', is essential for maintaining plant vigor and encouraging prolific blooming. Pinch the main stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall to promote bushier growth and more stems, which means more flowers. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season. After the first frost in fall, cut back the foliage and stems to a few inches above the soil line as the plants go dormant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias require well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlia 'City of Leiden' should consist of a combination of loam, peat or compost, and sand or perlite to ensure proper drainage. It's important to avoid soil that retains too much moisture, as this can cause tuber rot.

Repotting

Dahlias, including the 'City of Leiden' variety, typically do not need to be repotted regularly as they are not often grown as permanent container plants. Instead, their tubers are usually lifted and stored during the winter and then replanted each spring after the last frost. If grown in containers, they may be repotted when they outgrow their current pot or to refresh the soil annually.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like the 'City of Leiden' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to various conditions as they are not humidity-sensitive plants. Maintaining average room humidity will suffice, but ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent any fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, moderate humidity, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun, shelter from strong winds, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'City of Leiden' begins its life cycle as a set of tubers planted in the spring after the last frost, in rich, well-drained soil. The tubers sprout and grow into lush, bushy plants with dark green foliage, and by mid-summer, the plant produces its first showy, vibrant flowers. These star-shaped blooms may continue until the first fall frost, attracting pollinators to the garden. As temperatures drop, the plant's above-ground growth starts to wilt and die back; at this stage, the tubers can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place for the winter. During the winter dormancy, the tubers rest and conserve energy for the next growing season. The cycle repeats when the tubers are replanted the following spring, producing a new set of dahlia plants that will mature, flower, and propagate through their own tubers.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The best time to propagate Dahlia 'City of Leiden', more commonly known as just Dahlia, is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up enough to promote growth. The most popular method of propagation is by dividing tubers. Each tuber or tuber cluster that has at least one eye can develop into a new plant. Prior to planting, the divided tuber pieces are often allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callous over the cut surface, which helps to prevent rot. When planting, the tubers should be placed about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep with the eyes facing upwards. Covering the tubers with soil and providing consistent moisture will encourage the development of roots and shoots, establishing a new plant within a few weeks. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as Dahlias are prone to rot in overly wet conditions.