Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian' Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian' (D)

Water

Dahlias require a consistent watering routine, especially during the growing season. They should be watered deeply once to twice a week, offering about 1-2 gallons of water for each plant depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, dahlias may need more frequent watering. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water your Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian' at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Light

Dahlias thrive in full sun, so Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian' should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant them in a location that gets ample morning light and also strong afternoon sun to encourage robust growth and flowering. Avoid heavily shaded areas which can lead to poor blooming and leggy plants.

Temperature

Dahlias prefer a warm climate and Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian' grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. While they can survive temperatures as low as 50°F at night, frost can be fatal to these plants. Protect them from cold weather and consider lifting the tubers if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.

Pruning

Pruning Dahlias, like Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian', is essential for maintaining plant health and encouraging vigorous blooming. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. After the plant has several sets of leaves, pinch out the growing tip above the fourth set to encourage branching, which results in more flowers. The best time for pruning is midseason for deadheading and early in the season for pinching out tips.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix for Dahlias would include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Compost or well-rotted manure can be added to enrich the soil and provide nutrients.

Repotting

Dahlias, particularly the 'Hamilton Lillian', are typically grown from tubers and do not need frequent repotting. They should be planted annually in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. Tubers can be lifted and stored during the winter and replanted the next season.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias prefer average humidity levels and do not require any special humidity considerations. They can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden settings. Avoid overly humid conditions that may encourage fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, moderate temps, and water when topsoil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, enriched well-draining soil, protect from high winds.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Dahlias, including the 'Hamilton Lillian', begin their life cycle as tubers that are planted after the threat of frost has passed. They then germinate and grow, developing a strong stem and leaves as they establish themselves. Following vegetative growth, they enter the flowering stage, where they produce vibrant blooms typically from midsummer until the first frost. Once the flowering season ends and frost occurs, the plant's aerial parts die back, signaling the end of the annual growth cycle. The tubers can be left in the ground or dug up and stored in a cool, frost-free place during winter to rest. In the subsequent spring, the cycle starts anew when the tubers are replanted or naturally re-sprout if they were left in the ground, provided the conditions are not too harsh.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Hamilton Lillian' is commonly propagated by division, a method where the tuberous roots of the plant are separated into smaller sections. The ideal time to propagate dahlias by division is in the spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, first, the tubers must be carefully dug up after the foliage has died back and the soil has dried a bit, typically after the first light frost in the fall. The tubers should be stored in a cool, dry place over winter. In spring, each clump of tubers should be divided, ensuring that each section has at least one eye from which new growth can sprout. The divided tubers can then be planted directly into the ground, with the eyes facing upward, and spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters) in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Care should be taken to plant them at a depth roughly equal to their diameter, usually between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters).