Dahlia 'Don Hill' Dahlia 'Don Hill' (Col)

Water

Dahlias require a consistent watering schedule to thrive. The best practice is to water 'Don Hill' Dahlias deeply, providing about 1 to 2 gallons per plant once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot spells, water may be needed more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent foliage diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During the fall, as the plant prepares for dormancy, reduce watering to help the tubers harden off.

Light

Dahlias flourish in full sun, so place your 'Don Hill' Dahlia in a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Avoid spots that are shaded for most of the day, as insufficient light can lead to weak stems and fewer blooms. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial because it dries dew quickly, reducing the risk of fungal infections.

Temperature

'Don Hill' Dahlias grow best in moderate to warm temperatures, with ideal conditions ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees at night, but when the temperature falls below 50 degrees, dahlias may start to suffer and should be protected or brought indoors. Conversely, they can handle temperatures up to around 90 degrees, but extreme heat may stress the plants and require additional shading and watering.

Pruning

Pruning 'Don Hill' Dahlias is important to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Pinch out the growing tips of young plants when they reach about 16 inches tall to encourage bushiness. Throughout the season, remove spent flowers (deadheading) to stimulate continued blooming. Pruning is most effective when performed regularly throughout the blooming season. The best time to cut back dahlias for overwintering is after the first frost when foliage has died back.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-drained soil with a rich organic content and pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix containing peat moss, compost, perlite, and garden loam is ideal for Dahlia 'Don Hill'.

Repotting

Dahlia 'Don Hill' should be repotted every year, usually in early spring before new growth begins, to refresh the soil and address tuber division if necessary.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels but do not require high humidity, making them suitable for typical outdoor conditions where excessive humidity is not an issue.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, consistent moisture, and stake stems.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, enrich soil, stake, and deadhead.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Dahlia 'Don Hill' begins with the germination of seeds or growth from tubers, which can occur in spring when soil temperatures reach a suitable warmth. Seedlings or sprouts develop into a vegetative state, producing stems, leaves, and a root system that supports the plant's growth. As the plant matures through the summer, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces vibrant blooms that attract pollinators and can last until the first frost. Following pollination, if it occurs, seeds can develop and are eventually dispersed to create new plants. As temperatures drop in autumn, the Dahlia 'Don Hill' enters a period of dormancy, where the above-ground portion of the plant dies back and the tuberous roots store energy for the next growing season. Tubers can be lifted from the ground and stored over winter in a cool, frost-free place to protect them for replanting the following spring, thus completing the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Don Hill' (Col) is commonly propagated through division, which is the splitting of the tuberous roots. This method is typically carried out in the spring just before or as the new growth begins to emerge. Each division should include at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber from which new growth will sprout. The tuber should be cut with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that the cut surfaces are allowed to dry and heal for a day or two before planting. Divisions are then planted directly into the ground or into pots, with the eyes just below the soil surface, and watered in to encourage growth.