Dahlia Dahlia 'Gallery Pablo' (PBR) (Gallery Series) (D)

Water

Dahlias, including Gallery Pablo Dahlias, require consistent watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during their growing season. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, with about 1-2 gallons of water each time. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again; overwatering can lead to root rot. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall, and cease watering completely over the winter if the tubers are stored indoors.

Light

Dahlias like the Gallery Pablo need full sunlight to thrive, ideally receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. The best spot for them is in a garden area that benefits from early morning sunlight and remains bright throughout the day. Avoid places where buildings, trees, or other structures might create significant shade, as this can impede flowering.

Temperature

Gallery Pablo Dahlias prefer warm and temperate conditions, thriving best when temperatures are between 60°F to 75°F. They can handle temperatures up to 90°F, but prolonged heat can stress the plant. These dahlias are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or dug up if temperatures are expected to drop below 50°F. The ideal temperature range supports vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.

Pruning

To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, prune Gallery Pablo Dahlias by pinching out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches in height. Deadheading is essential throughout the season to promote continuous flowering; remove spent blooms regularly. The best time for pruning is typically in late winter or early spring as new growth appears. However, do not prune too late in the season as it can reduce the plant's winter hardiness.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The best soil mix for Gallery Pablo Dahlias includes a combination of garden soil, peat moss or coconut coir, perlite, and compost in equal parts. Adjust the pH to be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.0, for optimal growth.

Repotting

Gallery Pablo Dahlias should be repotted annually in the spring. They are tuberous plants, and repotting gives the opportunity to divide tubers if necessary to propagate or rejuvenate the plant. A fresh soil mix will replenish the nutrients required for their vigorous summer blooming.

Humidity & Misting

Gallery Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor conditions. They do not require high humidity; average ambient humidity is generally sufficient for these plants. Avoid overly damp conditions to prevent fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, consistent moisture, and stake stems for support.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, use stakes, keep soil moist but well-drained.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Gallery Pablo' begins its life as a tuber, which is planted in the spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed. It then germinates and sprouts green shoots, growing rapidly in favorable conditions of sunlight and moist, but well-drained soil. The plant enters a vegetative stage where leaves develop and the stem elongates, followed by the formation of flower buds that reveal the characteristic vibrant flowers of the 'Gallery Pablo' variety. After the flowering period, which lasts from summer to early fall, the plant sets seeds that can be collected for propagation, although dahlias are more commonly propagated by division of tubers. As temperatures drop towards winter, the above-ground growth of the dahlia dies back, and the plant goes dormant, its tubers surviving underground. With the return of warmer weather in the following spring, the life cycle resumes as the tubers can be replanted to begin the process again.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Dahlia 'Gallery Pablo' is a cultivar that is most commonly propagated through division, a process ideally done in the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy. To propagate by division, you begin by carefully digging up the tuberous roots of the dahlia after the foliage has died back and the plant is no longer actively growing. Wash the soil off the tubers and allow them to dry in a cool, frost-free location. Once dry, inspect the tubers and use a sharp, clean knife to cut them into sections, ensuring each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point for the next season's plant. The cuttings should then be allowed to callous over for a few days before planting them again. When replanting, place the tuber sections in well-draining soil with the eye facing upward, about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep, and space them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to give each new plant ample room to grow.