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

Water

Dahlias, including the 'Gallery Valentin', should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week, providing enough water to penetrate the top 8 to 12 inches of soil. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, especially if your dahlia is in a container. It's best to water in the morning to reduce evaporation and give the plant time to dry out before the cooler evening hours, which helps prevent disease. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as dahlias do not like to sit in water. Typically, you might use about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant each time you water, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions.

Light

Dahlias, including 'Gallery Valentin', thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun per day. They perform best in a location where they receive morning sunlight, which is less intense than the afternoon sun. While they can grow in partial shade, dahlias bloom more abundantly when given ample sun, so choose a spot in the garden that gets plenty of light throughout the day.

Temperature

Dahlias, such as 'Gallery Valentin', prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees for short periods, but freezing conditions can damage or kill the plant. The tubers should not be planted until all danger of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees. They do not tolerate extreme heat well, so during periods of high temperatures, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias, such as 'Gallery Valentin', is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tip of each stem when the plant is about a foot tall to promote branching. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Pruning is best done through the blooming season, typically from midsummer until the first fall frost. Cutting back the foliage after the first killing frost in autumn helps prepare the plant for overwintering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.5. An ideal soil mix for Gallery Dahlia would be a combination of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. A balance of organic matter is also important for nutrient supply and soil structure.

Repotting

Dahlias should be repotted annually, typically in the spring when new growth begins. Gallery Dahlias, being smaller, may not need as large containers and can be divided every couple of years to maintain vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels. They do not require high humidity and will benefit from good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overly humid conditions which can lead to rot and disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light with good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, shelter from strong winds, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Gallery Valentin', synonymous with vibrantly colored decorative blooms, commences its life as a set of tubers planted after the threat of frost has passed. Germination soon follows, leading to the emergence of green shoots that develop into sturdy stems and foliage. As the plant matures during the warm months, it undergoes a vegetative growth stage producing lush, leafy growth. Upon reaching maturity, the dahlia produces its striking flowers, which can range in color based on the cultivar, typically peaking in the late summer to early fall. Post blooming, as temperatures cool and daylight lessens, the plant begins to enter dormancy, wherein above-ground growth dies back and the energy is conserved in the tubers below the soil. These tubers can be overwintered in a frost-free environment and replanted the following spring, completing the cycle and beginning a new season of growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Dahlia 'Gallery Valentin' is through division. This process is typically done in early spring, just before the new growth begins. To propagate by division, carefully lift the tuberous roots from the ground after the foliage has died back post-frost or just before new growth in spring. Shake off any excess soil and use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the clump into sections, ensuring that each section has at least one eye (bud). These divisions can then be replanted immediately, placing them at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) and spaced approximately 18 inches (45.7 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth. Water them in well to help establish roots. This method helps maintain the varietal characteristics of Dahlia 'Gallery Valentin' and promotes healthy, vigorous growth in the coming season.