Dahlia Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight' (Sin)

Water

Dahlias, including 'Twyning's After Eight', prefer to be watered deeply and thoroughly, which means watering them until the soil feels moist to a depth of several inches. Ideally, watering should be done two to three times a week, depending on the weather conditions, more frequently if it's particularly hot and dry, and less often when it's cool or rainy. It's best to provide about 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. During peak summer months, they may require more water to keep the soil consistently moist. Always avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of disease, instead aiming the water at the base of the plant.

Light

Dahlias like 'Twyning's After Eight' flourish in a spot that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. These plants prefer bright light to bloom well, so an airy location that is well exposed to sunlight is ideal. While they can tolerate partial shade, too much shade can result in fewer blooms and taller, weaker stems.

Temperature

Dahlias such as 'Twyning's After Eight' grow best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F, which is their ideal temperature range. They can survive minimum temperatures of about 50°F at night, and should not be exposed to temperatures above 90°F as this can stress the plants. Dahlias are not frost tolerant and should be planted after all danger of frost has passed in the spring.

Pruning

Dahlias like 'Twyning's After Eight' should be pruned to encourage bushiness, remove dead or diseased tissue, and maintain a neat appearance. Deadheading, or cutting off spent bloom heads, will encourage further blooming and should be done throughout the blooming season. Cutting back the plants in early summer by removing the top few inches of growth can result in more side-branching and thus more flowers.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A good soil mix for 'Twyning's After Eight' would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Adding compost to the mix can also provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'Twyning's After Eight', generally don't need to be repotted often as they are typically grown as annuals. If grown in containers, they should be repotted when they outgrow their pots or when fresh soil is needed, usually every year when planting new tubers at the beginning of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias like 'Twyning's After Eight' prefer moderate humidity levels. While they can tolerate a range of humidity conditions, keeping the air around them not too dry and not excessively humid is best for their health. There is no strict humidity level, just avoid water-logged soil which can lead to rot.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, well-draining soil, moderate water, and warmth.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, fertile soil, protect from strong winds, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA.

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight', commonly known as the Twyning's After Eight Dahlia, begins with a period of dormancy where the tubers lie underground through the winter months. As spring arrives and temperatures increase, shoots emerge from the tubers, and vegetative growth commences with the development of stems and leaves. Throughout the summer, the plant focuses on producing its signature dark foliage and stark white flowers, attracting pollinators and going through a phase of sexual reproduction where flowers are pollinated and can produce seeds. After flowering, as autumn approaches, the plant begins to die back as energy is redirected to the tubers, which swell with stored nutrients. The aboveground foliage withers with the onset of cooler temperatures and frost, signaling the plant to enter another period of dormancy. During winter, the tubers can be left in the ground in milder climates or dug up and stored in a frost-free place to protect them until the cycle restarts the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight', commonly known as Dahlia, is typically propagated through division of tubers, an approach that is both practical and widely adopted for this type of plant. Propagation of Dahlias is generally undertaken in the spring, when the risk of frost has passed and the soil has started to warm up. To divide Dahlia tubers, you should first carefully lift the clump from the ground after the foliage has died back in the fall. Wash off the soil and let the tubers dry for a few days. Using a sharp knife, cut the tubers apart, ensuring that each division has at least one eye or bud from which new growth can emerge. The cut surfaces should be allowed to callus over for a day or two to prevent rot, after which the tubers can be planted in well-draining soil with the eyes facing upwards, at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 cm).