Dahlia 'Gallery Degas' Dahlia 'Gallery Degas' (Gallery Series) (D)

Water

Dahlias should be watered deeply, with water reaching the roots, approximately 2-3 times a week, depending on the weather conditions; during hot summer periods, they may require more frequent watering. It is important to avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Established dahlias generally need about 1 inch of water per week; this can translate to roughly 0.6 gallons for each dahlia plant each time you water. Be sure to reduce the watering frequency as the weather cools and especially once the plant has stopped blooming and is preparing for dormancy.

Light

Dahlias thrive in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Dahlias should be bright and sunny with minimal shade, as ample sunlight is crucial for the development of their vibrant blooms. Ensure that the plant is not shaded by taller plants or structures during the day.

Temperature

Dahlias perform best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F during the day and 50°F to 60°F at night. These plants can tolerate a minimum temperature of approximately 50°F, the point at which they must be lifted from the ground in areas with colder winters. Dahlias will thrive during the summer months but must be protected or dug up before the first frost, which could be as low as 32°F.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias, or deadheading, encourages fuller plants and more blooms by redirecting energy from seed production to flower production. Remove spent flower heads and any weak or crossing stems to promote good air circulation. The best time to prune is when the flowers begin to fade, usually late summer into fall. Regular deadheading will often result in continuous blooms until the first frost.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The best soil mix for a Dahlia 'Gallery Degas' should contain a mixture of loam, peat moss, and sand to ensure drainage and fertility. Adding compost or aged manure will provide nutrients necessary for optimal growth and flowering.

Repotting

Dahlias grown in containers, such as the Dahlia 'Gallery Degas', should be repotted annually. Dahlias are typically replanted each spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlia 'Gallery Degas', like most dahlias, thrives in moderate humidity conditions. They prefer an environment where the humidity level is not excessively high to avoid problems with rot or fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with rich soil and good drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dahlia 'Gallery Degas' begins with the germination of tubers or seeds, which sprout when soil temperatures reach around 60°F (15°C) in spring. As the plant grows, it develops a sturdy stem and foliage, with lush leaves emerging from the stem nodes. Throughout the summer months, the Dahlia 'Gallery Degas' enters its flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that come in a variety of colors, often pinkish-orange hues, and can attract pollinators to the garden. After the flowering period, the blooms will eventually fade, and the plant will focus on storing energy in its tubers as the season progresses towards fall. In areas with frost, dahlias die back and the tubers need to be lifted and stored in a frost-free place over winter; in warmer climates, they can be left in the ground to overwinter. With the return of warm temperatures in the next growing season, the stored tubers will break dormancy, initiating a new lifecycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Dahlia 'Gallery Degas' is through division, which is ideally carried out in the spring when the plant begins to sprout and the danger of frost has passed. To propagate through division, carefully dig up the clumps of tubers, taking care not to damage them. Gently brush off any excess soil and look for the natural divisions between the tubers, ensuring each section has at least one eye or sprout. Use a sharp, clean knife to separate the tubers into individual pieces. Allow the cut surfaces to dry and callous over for a day before planting them about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow.