Dahlia Dahlia 'Hidalgo' (PBR) (D)

Water

Dahlias, like the 'Hidalgo' variety, should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth, which means they should receive a thorough soaking at the base of the plant. The frequency of watering depends largely on climate and soil conditions, but generally, they need about 1-2 inches of water per week, more frequently in hot, dry weather, and less often in cool, damp conditions. It can be helpful to use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots without wetting the foliage, which can reduce the risk of disease. Watering should be done early in the morning to allow any wet foliage to dry out over the course of the day. As a rough guide, you would aim to provide around 5 gallons per week for a mature plant in dry conditions, adjusting as necessary based on weather and soil moisture.

Light

Dahlias such as the 'Hidalgo' thrive in full sun, which means they need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best growth and flowering. They perform best when they receive morning sunlight and some protection from the intense heat of late afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. A spot that provides bright, indirect light in the afternoon is ideal to avoid potential scorching during the hottest part of the day.

Temperature

Dahlias, including the 'Hidalgo' cultivar, prefer moderate to warm temperatures and thrive in conditions between 60°F and 70°F. They are sensitive to frost, with a minimum survival temperature just above 32°F. To ensure optimal growth, avoid long periods of exposure to temperatures below 50°F or over 75°F. Planting should be done when the danger of frost has passed in the spring and the soil temperature has reached at least 60°F.

Pruning

Pruning Dahlias such as the 'Hidalgo' is essential to promote bushier plants and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. Cutting back the main stem by one-third early in the growing season, a process called "pinching," can lead to the development of a stronger, more branched plant. The best time for pruning is throughout the growing season when you see dead or unhealthy tissue and after the first set of flowers has bloomed to encourage a second bloom.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.5-7.0. The best soil mix for Dahlia 'Hidalgo' includes loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost and peat moss to enhance fertility and drainage. A combination of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite would create a suitable growing medium for this variety.

Repotting

Dahlias, including Dahlia 'Hidalgo', should be repotted annually. They are typically repotted in the spring after the last frost date when the tubers are planted out. After the first season, tubers can be lifted, divided if necessary, and repotted with fresh soil to ensure vigorous growth.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity conditions and do not require an overly humid environment. The ideal humidity range for Dahlia 'Hidalgo' is between 40-60%. Maintaining this humidity level will support healthy growth and bloom production, while avoiding excessively high humidity which can encourage fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in bright light, keep soil moist, and provide stake support.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, rich soil, water deeply, and stake stems.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Dahlia 'Hidalgo' begins with seed germination or vegetative propagation through tubers, where favorable conditions see sprouting occur in early spring. Seedlings or shoots develop into young plants, exhibiting rapid vegetative growth characterized by sturdy stems and abundant foliage during late spring and summer. By mid to late summer, the Dahlia 'Hidalgo' starts the flowering stage, producing vibrant, colorful blooms that attract pollinators and can last until the first frost. Post-bloom, the plant enters senescence in the fall, where foliage begins to wither and the plant prepares for dormancy. During winter, the plant lies dormant, with underground tubers surviving in frost-free conditions or being stored and overwintered. In the following spring, the cycle resumes as the tubers send up new shoots, initiating a new season of growth and reproduction.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Dahlia 'Hidalgo', commonly known as Dahlia, is widely propagated through the division of tubers, which is both practical and popular among gardeners. The best time for this method is in the spring just before the new growth begins. The gardener should carefully dig up the overwintered clumps of dahlia tubers and gently brush off any soil. Using a sharp, clean knife, they would divide the clump into sections, ensuring that each division has at least one eye, which is a point on the tuber from where the new growth will emerge. The divisions can then be planted directly into the garden, with the eye just at or slightly below the soil surface, ideally spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. It's crucial to water the tubers well after planting and continue to provide regular moisture as they establish.