Dahlia 'Miss Ellen' Dahlia 'Miss Ellen' (Misc)

Water

Dahlias like 'Miss Ellen' require regular watering, especially during the growing season. They should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather conditions. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Decrease watering in the fall as the plant goes dormant.

Light

Dahlias such as 'Miss Ellen' thrive in full sunlight for optimal growth and blooming. They should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. The best spot for dahlias is an area that gets unfiltered sunlight throughout the day without any shade. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the blooms from wilting.

Temperature

Dahlias like 'Miss Ellen' prefer temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a maximum temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth could be affected outside of their ideal range. Protect dahlias from frost, as it can damage or kill the plant.

Pruning

Prune dahlias such as 'Miss Ellen' to encourage a bushier plant and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut back the stalks to about 4 to 6 inches after the first killing frost in the fall when the foliage has turned brown.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining soil with a rich organic content and a neutral to slightly acidic pH, typically around 6.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix for Dahlia 'Miss Ellen' would include equal parts peat moss, perlite, and loam, with a handful of compost for additional nutrients.

Repotting

Dahlias, including Dahlia 'Miss Ellen', generally require repotting every year. To ensure healthy growth and flowers, repot the tubers annually in the spring after the last frost when you see new growth beginning.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias enjoy moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to various conditions. Dahlia 'Miss Ellen' will do best if the humidity is kept at a level consistent with outdoor conditions, avoiding excessively dry or damp environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, fertile soil, water when topsoil feels dry.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Dahlia 'Miss Ellen' begins its life cycle when tubers are planted in the spring after the last frost. It soon germinates and a young shoot emerges from the soil, developing into a vegetative plant with leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy stem and a robust foliage system capable of photosynthesis. The dahlia enters the flowering stage in summer, producing blooms that may continue into early fall, with proper deadheading encouraging further blooming. As temperatures cool and daylight decreases, the plant enters dormancy; the above-ground growth dies back and the plant's energy is stored in the tubers underground. To complete the cycle, the tubers can be left in the ground (in suitable climates) or lifted and stored during winter to be replanted the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Dahlia 'Miss Ellen', commonly referred to as Dahlia, can be most popularly propagated through division, typically undertaken during the late winter to early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, a clump of the tuberous roots with at least one eye, or bud, should be carefully separated from the parent plant. This can be done by gently pulling apart the tubers by hand or with the help of a sharp, clean knife, ensuring each section has at least one growth point. The divisions should then be allowed to dry for a few days to form a callus over the cut surfaces, which helps to prevent rotting. Afterward, the tuber sections can be planted in well-draining soil, positioning the eyes about an inch deep (2.5 cm), and spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation.