Dahlia 'Honor Francis' Dahlia 'Honor Francis' (Misc)

Water

Dahlias, including the 'Honor Francis' variety, require consistent moisture and should be watered two to three times a week, depending on weather conditions. Provide them with about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week, ensuring that the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water deeply to encourage root growth, allowing the moisture to reach the root zone. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.

Light

Dahlias like 'Honor Francis' thrive in full sun locations where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant them in a spot that gets unobstructed sunlight, away from taller plants or structures that might cast shade. Ample sunlight is essential for the development of full, vibrant blooms and robust growth.

Temperature

Dahlias, including 'Honor Francis', perform best in moderate temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 50°F, but frost can be damaging, so they must be protected or dug up and stored in colder climates. The maximum temperature for Dahlia growth is around 90°F; above this, the plants may experience stress and require additional care.

Pruning

Prune Dahlia 'Honor Francis' to encourage bushier plants, larger flowers, and to maintain a neat appearance. Deadheading spent flowers will stimulate new blooms. Pruning is best done throughout the blooming season, from mid-summer to fall, cutting back stems to maintain shape and remove weak or excessive growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive best in a well-draining fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can provide the ideal growing conditions. Add compost or well-rotted manure for added nutrients to support robust growth.

Repotting

Dahlias should be repotted when they outgrow their containers, which is typically every one to two years. They are often grown as annuals and replanted each spring after lifting and storing the tubers during the winter.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. They are not especially humidity-sensitive but do well with the average outdoor ambient humidity. Protecting them from excess moisture can prevent fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure plenty of light and good airflow for indoor Dahlias.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, in fertile, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Dahlia 'Honor Francis' begins its life cycle as a tuber planted in fertile, well-drained soil after the last frost in spring. It quickly sprouts stems and leaves as temperatures warm, eventually developing into a bushy plant. Throughout the summer, buds form and blossom into large, vibrant flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After the blooming period, the flowers eventually wither, and if seeds were produced, they can be collected for propagation. With the onset of colder weather and the first frost, the above-ground part of the plant dies back while the tuber enters a dormant state. To ensure survival, the tubers are typically dug up and stored in a cool, dry place over winter, to be replanted the following spring, restarting the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter - Early Spring

• Propogation: Dahlia 'Honor Francis' (Misc) is typically propagated through division, a method where the tubers are separated to create new plants. This is best attempted in spring, just as the plants are beginning to emerge from dormancy and new growth is visible. To do this, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground using a fork or spade, ensuring not to damage them. Clean the soil off the tubers and look for the natural dividing points, which are typically the areas where you see growth buds forming. Cut the tuber into pieces with a sharp knife, making sure each piece has at least one eye, or growth point. The cut surfaces can be treated with a fungicide to prevent rot. Once prepared, the tuber divisions can be planted at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to give each new plant room to grow.