Dahlia Dahlia 'Little Dorrit' (Sin/lil)

Water

Dahlias like 'Little Dorrit' should be watered thoroughly, with water reaching deep into the soil to encourage deep roots, but not so often that the soil stays soggy. Typically, watering once or twice a week with about an inch of water is sufficient, but this should be adjusted based on rainfall and temperature. During hot, dry spells, the frequency may increase to every other day. It's important to provide about a gallon of water per plant each watering session, ensuring even moisture distribution around the plant without wetting the foliage to avoid fungal diseases.

Light

Dahlias such as 'Little Dorrit' thrive best in full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be in an area where they can enjoy the morning sun and are protected from the intense late-afternoon sun in regions with very hot summers. They can tolerate some light shade but too much shade will reduce blooming and can lead to leggy growth.

Temperature

Dahlias like 'Little Dorrit' prefer moderate temperatures, typically between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to the low 50s, but freezing temperatures below 32 degrees can damage or kill the plant. The upper extreme they can tolerate is around 90 degrees, but they will require more frequent watering and some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent stress.

Pruning

Pruning Dahlias like 'Little Dorrit' encourages a bushier plant and more blooms. Pinch out the growing tips once the plant reaches about 16 inches in height to promote branching. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage more blooms. The best time to prune for shape is early in the growing season, but deadheading should be done throughout the blooming period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias like 'Little Dorrit' thrive best in a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mix containing loamy soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite is often recommended. Incorporating compost or aged manure will enrich the soil and help with moisture retention.

Repotting

Dahlias such as 'Little Dorrit' do not necessarily need to be repotted on a regular basis; instead, they are typically lifted and divided every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain plant vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Little Dorrit' are not highly particular about humidity and can tolerate a range of conditions, but they perform best with moderate humidity levels, avoiding excessively dry or overly damp air which can encourage pests or disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, shelter from wind, well-draining soil, regular watering.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dahlia 'Little Dorrit' starts with the germination of tubers or seeds, typically in early spring after the threat of frost has passed. Once sprouted, the young seedlings or shoots grow into a sturdy stem with vibrant, lush foliage. Throughout the summer season, 'Little Dorrit' dahlias bloom, producing their characteristic vibrant, colorful flowers which attract pollinators and please gardeners. After blooming, as autumn approaches and temperatures drop, the plant begins to die back, signaling the time for tubers to be dug up and stored for winter in colder climates, or left in the ground in milder regions. During the winter, the tubers undergo a period of dormancy in which they conserve energy to re-sprout the following spring. The plant then re-grows from the stored tubers, completing its perennial life cycle, unless grown as an annual which would conclude its lifecycle within one growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Dahlia 'Little Dorrit', commonly known as a type of dahlia, is best propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Division involves separating the tuberous roots in the early spring just before the new growth begins. Each division should contain at least one eye or bud from which new shoots will emerge. The cut surfaces should be allowed to dry for a day or two to form a callous, which helps prevent rot. Once dried, the divided tubers can be planted about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep in well-drained soil with the eyes facing upward. It's essential to water the tubers thoroughly after planting. Division helps to rejuvenate older clumps of dahlias and is an effective way to increase the number of your plants while maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant.