Dahlia Dahlia 'Trelyn Kiwi' (S-c)

Water

Dahlias, including the 'Trelyn Kiwi', require consistent moisture but do not like to be waterlogged. It is best to water your dahlias deeply once or twice a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least several inches. Aim for about 1 to 2 gallons per plant for each watering session, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, as they will require more water during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy spells. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plant.

Light

Dahlias like 'Trelyn Kiwi' thrive in full sun conditions, which means they require a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They perform best when they receive morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, particularly in hotter climates. Therefore, the best spot for your dahlia is in an area that receives ample morning light with some filtered afternoon shade to protect it during the hottest part of the day.

Temperature

Dahlias, including the 'Trelyn Kiwi', prefer a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but should be protected from frost. Dahlias won't thrive in extremely hot conditions, especially when temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's crucial to ensure they have some shade or cooling during the heat of the day.

Pruning

Pruning dahlias like 'Trelyn Kiwi' encourages more prolific blooming and a bushier plant form. Pinch back the central stem when the plant is about a foot tall to promote branching. Throughout the growing season, regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. The best time for major pruning or cutting back is late in the season, after the first frost when you cut the plant down to ground level as part of the overwintering process.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias thrive in a well-draining soil mix with rich organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Dahlia 'Trelyn Kiwi' is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.0. You can achieve the best soil mix by combining two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand for improved drainage.

Repotting

Dahlia 'Trelyn Kiwi' should be repotted annually, preferably in the spring before the new growth starts. Tubers can be divided during repotting to propagate new plants or to rejuvenate the parent plant.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlia 'Trelyn Kiwi' prefers moderate humidity levels and does well in typical outdoor conditions. Indoor growers should aim for a humidity level around 40-60%, avoiding overly dry or damp environments, which can lead to pest issues or rot.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright, indirect light with good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, and shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The dahlia 'Trelyn Kiwi', starts its life as a tuber, which is planted in the ground during spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach about 60°F (15°C). Germination follows, where the tuber develops sprouts that emerge from the soil as seedlings. Growth continues with the development of a strong stem and foliage, leading to the formation of flower buds. The dahlia then blooms in mid to late summer, showcasing its brilliant flowers, which can be a variety of colors and sizes, depending on the cultivar. After blooming, as temperatures drop and daylight decreases in fall, the plant begins to die back, and the above-ground growth eventually withers. Before the first frost, gardeners typically cut back the stems and dig up the tubers to store them over winter, repeating the cycle the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'Trelyn Kiwi', a stunning variety of Semi-Cactus Dahlia, is commonly propagated through division of tubers, which is the most popular method for this plant. This process is best done in the spring after the last frost has passed and when the soil is warm enough to support new growth, typically when temperatures consistently stay above 60°F (15°C). To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of tubers from the ground with a spade, shaking off any loose soil. Identify the natural divisions and cut through the tubers with a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that each divided section has at least one eye, which is a small bump or bud from where the new growth will sprout. Each piece is then planted into well-draining soil, at a depth of about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters), with the eye facing upwards. Proper spacing of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart will provide the new plants ample room to grow. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged will encourage the tubers to establish and produce robust plants.