Dahlia 'Lilac Marston' Dahlia 'Lilac Marston' (D)

Water

Dahlias should be watered deeply, directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal infections. They require a consistent moisture level, especially during the growing season. Water dahlias with about 1 to 2 gallons per plant every week, depending on weather conditions. In very hot or dry weather, you may need to water them twice a week to maintain soil moisture. Overwatering or allowing them to sit in soggy soil can cause tuber rot, so well-drained soil is essential.

Light

Dahlias thrive in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate a little afternoon shade, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can result in tall, leggy plants with fewer blooms. Place your Dahlia 'Lilac Marston' in a spot with maximum exposure to sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.

Temperature

Dahlias prefer moderate to warm temperatures, with ideal growing conditions between 60°F and 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 50°F, but they are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or lifted if temperatures dip below this range. Maximum temperature for healthy growth should not exceed 90°F, as extreme heat can stress the plants and affect blooming.

Pruning

Dahlias benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming. For your Dahlia 'Lilac Marston,' deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming and cut back stems that have finished flowering. Towards the end of the growing season, as flowers diminish, you can also cut back on watering and stop deadheading to allow the plant to enter its dormant period. The best time for major pruning is early in the season when you can pinch out the growing tips to create a bushier plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive in a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a slight acidic to neutral pH of 6.5-7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlias such as 'Lilac Marston' would include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Dahlias, including the 'Lilac Marston', should be repotted annually, typically in the spring as new growth begins. They require fresh soil each year to provide nutrients and to accommodate the growth of their tuberous roots.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Lilac Marston' prefer moderate humidity levels. They do not require a highly humid environment; ambient outdoor humidity is generally sufficient for these flowers as long as soil moisture is maintained appropriately.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, regular watering, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil, and space adequately.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The dahlia 'Lilac Marston' begins its life as a tuber, planted in the spring after the last frost, usually 4-6 inches deep in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure. The tuber sprouts stems and leaves as temperatures warm, soon followed by the growth of distinctive lilac blooms throughout the summer and into the fall. After flowering, the plant expends energy to produce seeds, although dahlias are more commonly propagated through division of their tubers. As cold weather approaches, the foliage yellows and the plant enters dormancy; the tubers are typically lifted from the ground and stored in a cool, dry place to overwinter. The following spring, the tubers are replanted, either as a whole or divided, to start the cycle anew. This perennial plant can live and be replanted for several years, provided it is protected from freezing temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Lilac Marston', commonly referred to as dahlia, can be propagated most effectively through the division of tubers. The ideal time to propagate dahlias by dividing tubers is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up and the tubers begin to sprout new shoots. The process involves digging up the clump of tubers and carefully separating them with a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. The cuts should be made cleanly to minimize the chance of disease and sometimes it's advisable to dust the cut surfaces with a fungicide to prevent infection. Once divided, the tubers can be planted directly into the ground at a depth of about 6 inches (around 15 centimeters), making sure to space them appropriately to allow ample room for the plants to grow and thrive.