Dahlia Dahlia 'Davar Donna' (S-c)

Water

Dahlias require consistent moisture and should be watered two to three times a week, more often if conditions are very hot or dry. It's crucial to water the plants deeply, ensuring the water reaches the roots where it's needed most. Aim to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant each time you water, depending on soil drainage and temperature. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliage diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the peak growing season, the soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Dahlias thrive in locations that receive full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They perform best in a spot that gets morning sun and is protected from the intense heat of the late afternoon, especially in hotter climates. If you live in an area with very hot summers, some light afternoon shade will help protect the blooms from fading or scorching.

Temperature

Dahlias prefer a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making them ideal for most temperate climates during the growing season. They can survive brief periods when temperatures dip into the upper 50s, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees can harm or kill the plant. Similarly, extreme heat above 90 degrees can also stress dahlias, so provide shade or mulch to help regulate soil temperature.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias encourages more blooms and a bushier plant habit. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be performed regularly to direct energy towards new flower production. Cut back any damaged or diseased stems as soon as they appear. The best time for major pruning is when the plant is about 18 inches tall; at this point, pinch back the main stem to promote branching.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good mix can be made with equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite. Compost can also be added to enrich the soil.

Repotting

Dahlia 'Davar Donna' generally needs to be repotted annually. They are tuberous plants, and their tubers should be lifted and divided after the growing season ends and the foliage dies back.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels but do not require high humidity. Average room humidity is adequate, as they are more tolerant of dry air than overly moist conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  For Dahlias, ensure bright light, regular watering, and sturdy support.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, rich soil, and provide stake support.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dahlia 'Davar Donna', commonly known as Dahlia, begins with the planting of tubers in the spring after the last frost when the soil is warm. These tubers sprout and develop into bushy plants with dark green, compound leaves. As the plant matures and the weather warms, it begins to produce sturdy stems that will eventually bear the flowers. By mid-summer to early autumn, the Dahlia blooms, showcasing its spectacular flowers that can range in color depending on the specific variety. After flowering, as temperatures drop and the first frost approaches, the Dahlia plant begins to die back, at which point gardeners often cut the stems down to the ground and may dig up and store the tubers for overwintering. The stored tubers can then be replanted the following spring, beginning the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• For Dahlia 'Davar Donna', a popular cultivar of dahlias, the most common method of propagation is through division of tubers. This should ideally be done in the spring as new growth begins from overwintered tubers. To propagate by division, a clump of dahlia tubers with several eyes, or growth points, is carefully split into smaller clumps, ensuring that each division has at least one eye. These divisions can then be planted directly into the garden, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, allowing sufficient space for the plants to mature. As dahlias are tender perennials, the new plants will grow and multiply throughout the growing season, being lifted and divided again in subsequent years. This method is preferred for its simplicity and effectiveness in preserving the traits of the 'Davar Donna' cultivar.