Dahlia Dahlia 'Kenora Valentine' (D)

Water

Dahlias require consistent moisture, so water 'Kenora Valentine' dahlias deeply once or twice a week, more frequently in very hot, dry periods. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to provide water directly to the soil and roots, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can invite disease. Each plant should receive about 1 to 2 gallons of water per week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During peak blooming time, it may be necessary to increase the amount slightly to support the flowers.

Light

Dahlias, including the 'Kenora Valentine', thrive in full sun conditions, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in the garden that is free from shade and isn't excessively hot as the intense afternoon sun in some climates can stress the plants. However, in very hot climates, dahlias benefit from protection from the intense late afternoon sun to prevent scorching of the petals.

Temperature

Dahlias like 'Kenora Valentine' prefer a temperate range with daytime temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can tolerate a minimum night temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant and should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. Ideally, maintain a consistent temperature as significant fluctuations can stress the plants or inhibit growth.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias like 'Kenora Valentine' encourages better blooms and a stronger plant. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches in height to promote bushiness. Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage continuous blooms. After the first frost or when the plant dies back, cut the stems to about 4 inches above the ground. Pruning is typically done throughout the growing season as needed and again at the end of the blooming cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The best soil mix for 'Kenora Valentine' dahlia would be a combination of loamy garden soil, compost, and peat moss or coconut coir to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Adding perlite can further enhance drainage.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'Kenora Valentine', typically don't need to be repotted if they are grown in the ground. However, if grown in containers, it is best to repot them annually when you plant the tubers in spring after the last frost.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias such as 'Kenora Valentine' prefer moderate humidity levels. They do not have special humidity requirements and can thrive in the ambient outdoor humidity in most temperate climates where they are commonly grown.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in full sun, ensure pot has good drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant after frosts in fertile, well-drained soil, full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Kenora Valentine Dahlia begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, well-draining soil after the last frost of spring, although most dahlias are planted from tubers. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where leaves and stems develop rapidly in preparation for flowering. After several weeks to months, depending on growing conditions, the dahlia enters the flowering stage, producing its distinctive bright, bold blooms that can last until fall. Following the flowering period, as temperatures cool, the Kenora Valentine Dahlia will stop producing flowers and enter a period of dormancy. During dormancy, the tubers can be dug up, stored in a cool, frost-free environment, and then replanted the following spring. The cycle is completed when these tubers are replanted, and new shoots emerge from the stored tubers to start the process anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Kenora Valentine', a striking and colorful variety of dahlias, is through division of its tubers. This process is ideally carried out in the spring, just before new growth begins, when the tubers have been stored in a cool, frost-free location over winter. To propagate, one first carefully lifts the tubers from the ground, taking care not to damage them. Looking for the natural dividing points where new shoots are emerging, the gardener gently separates the tuber clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or shoot. The divisions can then be planted immediately, placed about 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) deep, with the eyes pointing upwards, and spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Adequate watering and waiting until the threat of frost has passed will ensure that the new Dahlia 'Kenora Valentine' plants thrive and produce the spectacular blooms they are known for.