Dahlia 'Danum Torch' Dahlia 'Danum Torch' (Col)

Water

Dahlias, like the 'Danum Torch' variety, should be watered deeply to encourage proper root growth, with approximately 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. During the active growing season, they prefer the soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water once or twice a week with about 0.5 to 1 gallons per plant each time, ensuring that you're watering the base and not the foliage to prevent disease. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant, typically after flowering ends and the foliage begins to yellow.

Light

Dahlias, such as 'Danum Torch', thrive in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot that is south-facing is typically ideal in the northern hemisphere. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates, but insufficient light may reduce blooming.

Temperature

Dahlias like 'Danum Torch' do well in a range of temperatures but prefer daytime temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive short periods of temperatures as low as 50°F at night and as high as 90°F during the day, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be detrimental. Ideal conditions for growth and flowering are warm days and cooler nights.

Pruning

Prune Dahlias like 'Danum Torch' to encourage a bushier plant with more blooms and to remove any dead or damaged stems. Pinch out the growing tips of young plants after they've developed a few sets of leaves, and continue to deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to promote more blooming. The best time for major pruning is just before growth begins in spring, with maintenance pruning carried out throughout the growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-drained soil with rich organic matter; a mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part compost is ideal. The best soil pH for Dahlias like 'Danum Torch' is slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.5-7.0.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'Danum Torch', do not need frequent repotting as they are typically grown as annuals; repotting is done annually when tubers are planted in spring after the last frost.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Danum Torch' do well in average ambient humidity; they do not require high humidity and can tolerate the drier conditions typically found in outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-drained soil after frost danger.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Dahlia 'Danum Torch' (Col), commonly known as dahlia, begins its life as a tuber planted in the soil after the last frost when the ground is warm. The plant then sprouts and vegetative growth occurs, forming a stem, leaves, and a root system. During its growing season, the dahlia develops multiple buds that bloom into vividly colored flowers, typically from midsummer until the first fall frost. After flowering, the plant focuses energy on strengthening its tuber which will be used to store nutrients for the winter. As temperatures drop, the above-ground portion of the dahlia dies back, and the plant goes dormant over the winter. In the following spring, the cycle restarts when the tuber can be divided and replanted, giving rise to new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter - Early Spring

• The Dahlia 'Danum Torch', commonly known as simply Dahlia, can be propagated through division, a method predominantly used for this type of plant due to its tuberous root system. The best time to propagate Dahlias by division is in the spring, after the last frost when the ground is warm enough, to allow for optimal root development before the growing season. To propagate by division, you first need to carefully dig up the tuber clumps and wash off any soil to better see the natural divisions. Each section that is cut away to create a new plant must include at least one eye, which is a small bud from which the new stems will grow. It's important to use a sharp, clean knife to reduce the risk of introducing disease when cutting the tubers apart. After dividing, let the cut surfaces dry for a day to form a callus, which helps prevent rot when planted. Then, the divided tubers can be planted about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep with the eyes facing upwards, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth.