Dahlia Dahlia 'Mt New Pink Single'

Water

Dahlias, including the 'Mt New Pink Single' variety, should be watered deeply once or twice a week, providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of several inches. This typically equates to approximately 1 to 2 gallons per plant for each watering session, depending on soil conditions and climate. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. During peak summer heat, water may be needed more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture without causing waterlogging. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not saturated.

Light

Dahlias like 'Mt New Pink Single' thrive in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for them is in an area that gets ample morning sun and some protection from the intense late afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Avoid planting in heavy shade, as this will reduce blooming and weaken the plant.

Temperature

The 'Mt New Pink Single' variety of Dahlia grows best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can handle temperatures up to the mid-80s as long as they're not prolonged. Dahlias are sensitive to cold, and while they can survive short spells as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night, frost will damage them. It's important to plant them after the danger of spring frost has passed and to lift the tubers in the fall before the first frost hits.

Pruning

Pruning 'Mt New Pink Single' Dahlias encourages more blooms and a bushier plant form. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage new blooms and prune back stems that are too long or unsightly to maintain a desirable shape. Cut back the entire plant in late autumn after the first frost has caused the plant to die back. This pruning should be done just a few inches above the soil surface. The best time for heavier pruning is early spring or when the plant is about 12 inches tall, at which point you can pinch out the growing tips to promote bushiness.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good soil mix for dahlias can include a combination of loam, sand, and peat or compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Adding bone meal or a balanced slow-release fertilizer can provide essential nutrients for Dahlia 'Mt New Pink Single'.

Repotting

Dahlias, including the Dahlia 'Mt New Pink Single', are typically grown from tubers and do not need frequent repotting. Instead, the tubers should be lifted and divided every few years, usually after the growing season ends in the fall, to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias, including Dahlia 'Mt New Pink Single', prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive outdoors in the natural environment, so as long as the air is not excessively dry, additional humidity control is usually not necessary.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, avoid overwatering, ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

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

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Dahlia 'Mt New Pink Single' begins with seed germination, where warmth, light, and moisture prompt the seeds to sprout and emerge as seedlings. As they grow, true leaves develop, and the plant enters the vegetative stage, where it establishes a strong root system and foliage. The plant then transitions to the flowering stage, usually evidenced by a burst of growth and the development of flower buds that bloom into the characteristic pink single flowers of this cultivar. After pollination, flowers may produce seeds, marking the beginning of the plant’s reproductive stage. If left in the ground and undisturbed, dahlias can enter a period of dormancy in the winter, during which the tubers survive underground. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the plant breaks dormancy and begins a new growth cycle, starting again with vegetative growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Dahlia 'Mt New Pink Single', commonly known as a Dahlia, is through dividing its tubers. This is typically done in the spring just before or as the new growth begins to emerge. When dividing Dahlia tubers, each section must have at least one eye, which is a small bud that will grow into a new plant. After cutting the tuber into sections with a sharp knife, the cuts should be allowed to dry and callous over for a day or two to prevent rot. The tuber sections can then be planted about 4 to 6 inches deep (10 to 15 cm) and spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 cm) in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Before planting, it's often recommended to treat the cut surfaces with a fungicide to further reduce the risk of rot.