Gallery Dahlia Dahlia 'Gallery Art Deco' (PBR) (Gallery Series) (D)

Water

The Dahlia, also known as 'Gallery Art Deco', should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically once or twice a week. During hot, dry periods, watering frequency may increase, but always check the soil moisture before adding more water. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of disease. Depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions, you may need to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week to maintain proper hydration.

Light

Dahlias like 'Gallery Art Deco' thrive in a spot that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. They perform best when planted in a location that is exposed to morning sunlight and receives partial shade during the most intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Ensuring the plant receives ample light is crucial for vibrant blooms and strong growth.

Temperature

The Dahlia 'Gallery Art Deco' prefers an environment with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temporary dips to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging, so be sure to protect the plant or move it indoors if a sudden cold snap is expected. Generally, maintaining a temperature within this range will promote healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning the Dahlia 'Gallery Art Deco' involves deadheading spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and to maintain the plant's appearance. Prune back the stalks to 2 to 3 inches above ground level after the first frost in fall or when the foliage has died back, which marks the end of the blooming season. Regular pruning throughout the growing season, every 2 to 3 weeks or as needed, will help promote vigorous growth and plentiful blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias require well-draining soil with plentiful organic matter; a mix containing potting soil, compost, and peat moss is ideal. The pH should range between 6.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Dahlias grown in containers may need to be repotted annually at the beginning of their growing season, depending on the size of the container and the growth of the tuber.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable as long as they have adequate soil moisture and are not in overly humid conditions that promote fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, pot with drainage, and consistent watering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, fertile soil, and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Gallery Art Deco', known for its vivid, decorative flowers, starts its life cycle as a tuber planted in the spring after the last frost when soil temperatures reach over 60°F (15°C). It sprouts stems and leaves and enters a vegetative growth phase, nourished by sunlight and fertile, well-draining soil. As summer progresses, the plant develops flower buds, which bloom into large, intricate flowers adored by gardeners and prized in floral arrangements. Throughout the summer and into fall, the Dahlia 'Gallery Art Deco' continues to produce flowers, especially if spent blooms are regularly deadheaded to encourage further blooming. As temperatures drop in late autumn, the plant's foliage withers and the Dahlia enters dormancy. Tubers can be overwintered by digging them up after the first frost, cleaning, drying, and storing them in a cool, frost-free location, ready to be replanted the following spring to repeat the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Dahlia ‘Gallery Art Deco’ is by division of tubers. This technique involves splitting the dahlia’s underground storage structures, which resemble a cluster of brownish, fleshy roots. The best time to divide dahlias is in the spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge from the tubers. Each section must have at least one eye, or bud, from which the new plant will grow. The division should be performed with a sharp, sterile knife, cutting the tuber into sections, each with a piece of the crown and at least one or two eyes. After division, the tubers are typically allowed to dry for a day before planting to help prevent rotting. They are then planted in well-draining soil, with the eyes facing upward, about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 cm).