Dahlia Dahlia 'Loretta' (Ba)

Water

Dahlias require a consistent watering schedule to ensure healthy growth. Water the Dahlia 'Loretta' deeply once or twice a week, providing enough moisture to soak the soil to a depth of several inches without causing waterlogged conditions. During the growing season, this would typically amount to about 1 to 2 gallons per plant each week depending on weather conditions. It's important to avoid watering directly on the flowers or foliage to prevent fungal diseases, so aim your watering at the base of the plant. Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant after flowering.

Light

Dahlias thrive in areas where they can receive full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day, making it essential to position the Dahlia 'Loretta' in a spot that gets ample direct sunlight. Avoid planting them in areas that are shaded for most of the day, as this can lead to poor flowering and weakened growth. An ideal location would be an unobstructed southern or western exposure where the dahlias can bask in the bright light.

Temperature

The Dahlia 'Loretta' prefers moderate temperatures and does best when daytime temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures do not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Dahlias can survive a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will not tolerate frost; any temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the plant. To ensure vibrant blooms, provide Dahlia 'Loretta' with its ideal temperature conditions throughout its growing season.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias like the Dahlia 'Loretta' encourages strong growth and better flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to stimulate further blooming and cut back the plant in late autumn after the first frost has blackened the foliage. Also, prune or pinch the tips of the main shoots when the plants are about a foot tall to promote bushier growth and additional flowers. This is typically done once during the early growing phase of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer a well-draining soil mix with rich organic matter and a neutral to slightly acidic pH of around 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix can be made from equal parts garden soil, peat moss or coco coir, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage.

Repotting

Dahlias grown from tubers, like 'Loretta', don't typically need repotting as they are often treated as annuals; however, if grown perennially, repot every 1-2 years in spring before new growth starts.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias do well in average outdoor humidity levels. They are not particular about high humidity environments, making them versatile for different outdoor conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sunlight, good airflow, and staking for support.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, rich soil, space out, and stake as needed.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

'Loretta' Dahlia (Ba) begins its life cycle when the tuber is planted in the spring after the last frost, as it requires warm soil to sprout. The plant emerges as a seedling and grows rapidly, producing a stem, leaves, and a root system. During the vegetative stage, the dahlia develops lush foliage and prepares for blooming by forming buds. The flowering stage follows, with 'Loretta' producing its distinctive bright, showy blooms which can be cut for bouquets or left to adorn the garden through late summer into autumn. As temperatures drop towards the end of autumn, the dahlia enters a dormant phase, where the above-ground growth dies back and the tuber survives underground. Gardeners will typically lift and store the tubers during winter in cold climates, to replant the following spring, completing the plant's annual life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Dahlias, including the 'Loretta' variety, are typically propagated by division of their tuberous roots, which is the most popular method. This process is best done in the spring when the tubers begin to sprout and the danger of frost has passed. The tubers that have sprouted eyes, which are bud-like growths where future plants will develop, should be divided. Each division should consist of at least one eye attached to a piece of tuber. The cuts on the tuber sections should be allowed to air-dry for a few days to form a protective callus over the cut surface before planting. When planting the divided tubers, they should be placed in a well-drained soil, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, depending on the size of the tuber. Care should be taken to space the tubers appropriately, usually about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart, to allow for sufficient room for growth.