Dahlia Dahlia 'Pontiac' (C)

Water

Dahlias prefer evenly moist soil; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. For 'Pontiac' Dahlias, water them deeply once to twice a week, applying approximately half a gallon to a gallon of water for each plant, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture. Always water at the base of the plant to help prevent fungal diseases.

Light

Dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for 'Pontiac' Dahlias would be in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Avoid planting in areas that are shaded, as this can reduce blooming and lead to weak growth.

Temperature

Dahlias grow best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a maximum of up to 90 degrees and a minimum of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit before they begin to suffer. If temperatures dip below 50 degrees, particularly overnight, it's important to protect the plant as prolonged exposure to cold can be damaging.

Pruning

Prune Dahlias to encourage more vigorous growth and better flower production. For 'Pontiac' Dahlias, deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering and cut back the stems by one-third in midsummer to rejuvenate the plant. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat moss, and sand provides ideal growing conditions, enrich with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

Repotting

Dahlias, specifically the 'Pontiac', should be repotted annually. They are tuberous plants and benefit from being divided and given fresh soil each spring before the growing season starts.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias prefer moderate humidity levels. Conditions that are too wet can promote fungal diseases, so it's important for the area around the plants to have good air circulation to maintain optimal humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular water for indoor dahlias.

• Outdoor

  In full sun, enrich soil with compost, and ensure space for air flow around dahlias.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Pontiac' begins its life cycle when the tuber is planted in the spring after the last frost, as the soil warms. It quickly sprouts and develops into a bushy plant, during which leaves, stems, and roots establish to support the flowering phase. As the summer progresses, buds form and eventually bloom into vibrant flowers, commonly during midsummer to early autumn, offering a showy display. After blooming, each flower on the Dahlia 'Pontiac' eventually withers, and the plant focuses energy back into the tubers for storage as temperatures drop. With the onset of the first frost, the above-ground portion of the plant dies back, signaling the start of dormancy through the winter months. For continual growth next season, tubers can be dug up before a hard freeze, stored over winter, and replanted the subsequent spring, thus completing the life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Pontiac' is through dividing its tuberous roots. This is typically done in spring, just before the growing season starts, when the soil temperature has reached about 60°F (15.5°C). Each division should contain at least one eye, or bud, from which a new plant will grow. The process involves carefully digging up the clump of tubers, shaking off any excess soil, and cutting the tubers with a sharp, clean knife. Divisions are planted directly into the garden at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm), spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth room. Once planted, watering should be done sparingly until new growth is evident, indicating successful propagation.