Dahlia Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' (WL)

Water

For Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby', often referred to by its common name, dahlia, it's essential to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering. During active growth, particularly in dry conditions, water deeply once or twice a week, providing at least an inch of water at each interval. In hotter climates or peak summer heat, additional watering may be required to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's best to water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and temperature changes.

Light

Dahlias prefer a location that provides full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. The ideal spot for Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' would be one where the plant is exposed to the morning sun and protected from the intense afternoon heat if you live in an exceptionally hot climate. Partial afternoon shade can help prevent overheating in such regions.

Temperature

Dahlias thrive best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F and have a growth range that typically extends from 50°F to 85°F. Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' can withstand temporary dips below 50°F but should not be exposed to frost. Additionally, hot temperatures exceeding 85°F may stress the plant and require additional care, such as increased watering and shading.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias helps promote bushier plants, larger blooms, and a longer flowering season. For Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby', deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Additionally, pinch back the growing tips when the plant is about a foot tall to stimulate branching. The best time for pruning is during the growing season, avoiding pruning late in the season, as this can weaken the plant before it goes dormant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' is a well-draining, fertile loam with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. To achieve this, mix equal parts of garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or sand. This will ensure proper drainage and aeration, which are crucial for the health of dahlias.

Repotting

Dahlias generally do not need to be repotted often as they are typically grown as annuals. However, if you are growing Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' as a perennial or overwintering the tubers, repotting should be done every spring as new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby' thrives best in moderate humidity levels. Humidity extremes should be avoided, but no specific humidity level is required for dahlias as long as the soil moisture and watering are well managed.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit area, use rich, well-draining soil, keep moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, fertile, well-draining soil, water regularly, stake stems.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby', commonly known as the Waterlily Dahlia, begins with a tuber planted in the spring after the last frost, in fertile, well-drained soil. It sprouts stems and leaves as the weather warms, utilizing sunlight and nutrients to grow. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, where it develops its distinctive lush foliage and begins to form buds. By mid to late summer, the Waterlily Dahlia enters the flowering stage, blooming with vibrant red, waterlily-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After blossoming, if seeds are produced, they mature in the remains of flowers, but dahlias are more commonly propagated through division of the tubers in autumn. As temperatures drop, the plant enters dormancy, with the above-ground portion dying back and the tuber overwintering underground to begin the cycle anew the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The most popular method of propagating Dahlia 'Taratahi Ruby', which is a type of Waterlily Dahlia, is through division of its tubers. This process is ideally done in the spring when the soil is warm enough for tuber growth, typically when soil temperatures reach about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 degrees Celsius). To propagate, gardeners carefully dig up the clumps of tubers after the foliage has died back in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place over winter. In spring, the stored tubers are divided, ensuring each section has at least one eye, which is a growth point from which the new Dahlia will sprout. The divisions are then planted in well-drained soil with the eyes facing upwards, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) deep, and spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growing space.