Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling' Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling' (Col)

Water

Dahlias, including the variety 'Dilys Ayling', prefer consistent, even moisture, especially during the growing season. They should be watered deeply about 2-3 times per week, more during hotter, dryer periods, and less during cool or rainy periods. A good rule of thumb is to provide an inch of water per week, which is about half a gallon per square foot of soil. It's important to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During the winter, if the tubers are stored properly, they will require little to no water until they are replanted in the spring.

Light

Dahlias like 'Dilys Ayling' thrive in a spot with full sun exposure, preferably receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sunlight is especially beneficial as it dries dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal infections. These plants can tolerate very light shade, particularly in hot climates, but too much shade will reduce blooming.

Temperature

Dahlias such as 'Dilys Ayling' enjoy warm temperatures and do best when daytime temperatures range between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, but frost is a serious threat and can damage or kill the plant. Dahlias start thriving when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60°F, which is typically after any danger of frost has passed in late spring.

Pruning

Pruning Dahlias, including 'Dilys Ayling', is primarily done to encourage bushier growth, larger blooms, and to maintain a tidy appearance. Pinch back the main stem when the plant is about a foot tall to promote branching. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering. The best time for pruning is throughout the growing season; however, when the first frost hits, all the above-ground growth should be cut back before overwintering the tubers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer a well-draining soil mix with rich organic matter such as compost or aged manure. A blend of two parts garden soil to one part peat or compost will provide an ideal growing medium. The best soil pH for Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling', is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Dahlias, including Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling', do not need frequent repotting as they are typically grown as annuals. Instead, they are planted each spring from tubers and then lifted and stored in the fall after the first frost.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling' are not particularly humidity-sensitive and can thrive in a range of ambient conditions. They do well in average garden humidity levels and do not require special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, fertile soil and keep above 50°F for Dahlias.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, enrich soil, allow space, and water well for Dahlias.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling' (Col), 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 grow into sturdy stems with lush foliage, and by midsummer, the plant begins to bloom, showing off its vibrant, colorful flowers that can continue to display until the first frost of fall. Throughout the blooming period, Dahlias can be deadheaded to encourage continuous flowering. As cold weather approaches, the plant's above-ground growth dies back, and the tubers can either be left in the ground in warmer climates or be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place over winter. In regions with colder winters, the stored tubers are then replanted the following spring, repeating the annual cycle. During its growing season, the plant may also be propagated by cuttings or division to produce new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Dahlia 'Dilys Ayling' involves the division of tubers. This is best done in early spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius) and all danger of frost has passed. To propagate by division, carefully lift the tuber clumps from the ground after the foliage has been blackened by frost in the fall or before new growth starts in the spring. Gently clean the soil from the tubers and look for the swollen parts of the tuber that have "eyes" or growth points—similar to those on a potato. Using a sharp, clean knife, cut the tuber into sections, making sure each piece includes at least one eye. Allow the cut surfaces to air-dry and form calluses for a day or two to reduce the risk of rot. Finally, plant these tuber sections about 4 to 6 inches deep (10-15 centimeters) in well-draining soil and water them in well to encourage the growth of new Dahlia plants.