Dahlia Dahlia 'White Lace' (Fim)

Water

Dahlias require a consistent watering schedule to thrive, particularly during their growing season from spring to fall. For 'White Lace' Dahlias, they should be watered deeply two to three times per week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches. The exact amount of water will depend on soil type and climate, but on average, about 0.5 to 1 gallon per plant is a good start. During hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently. Always avoid watering the foliage directly to reduce the risk of disease, and instead water at the base of the plant. It's critical to reduce watering once the plants begin to go dormant in the fall, tapering off as the temperatures drop.

Light

Dahlias thrive in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. 'White Lace' Dahlias do best when they are planted in a spot that is exposed to morning sunlight and protected from the strong sun in the afternoon, if possible, especially in hotter climates. An ideal location would provide a combination of bright light with some respite from the intense midday sun, encouraging robust growth without causing heat stress.

Temperature

Dahlias, including the 'White Lace' variety, prefer temperate conditions and will grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They are sensitive to frost, and their growth will be inhibited if temperatures drop below 50°F. It's important to plant 'White Lace' Dahlias after the danger of frost has passed in spring, and they should be dug up or adequately protected if temperatures approach freezing in the fall, generally below 32°F.

Pruning

Pruning 'White Lace' Dahlias encourages more vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooms, and cut back stems by about one-third in midsummer to revitalize the plant and encourage further blooming. The best time for major pruning is in the fall after the first frost when the plant goes dormant; at this time, cut back all the stems to about 4 to 6 inches above the ground level.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. A good mix can be made with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage. Enriching the soil with compost also provides essential nutrients for the health and flowering of 'White Lace' Dahlia.

Repotting

Dahlias, including 'White Lace', typically do not need to be repotted very often as they are usually grown as annuals. If grown as perennials, division of tubers can be done every 2 to 3 years in the spring to maintain vigor and flower production.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias, such as 'White Lace', thrive in moderate humidity levels. It's generally best to aim for relative humidity levels of about 40-60%, which will support healthy growth without encouraging mold or rot, which can occur in overly humid conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light and stable temperatures for indoor Dahlias.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with rich soil and good drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a 'White Lace' Dahlia begins with the germination of seeds or the sprouting of tubers when planted in moist, well-drained soil after the last frost of spring. The plant then enters a vigorous vegetative growth stage, during which its stems elongate and foliage expands to form a bushy structure. This is followed by a flowering phase in summer or early fall, where 'White Lace' produces its characteristic white, lacy blooms, attracting pollinators and sometimes requiring staking due to the weight of the flowers. After flowering, if conditions permit, the plant may produce seeds, but propagation is commonly done through dividing the tubers. As fall progresses, the above-ground growth of 'White Lace' Dahlia dies back with the onset of cooler temperatures and the plant enters dormancy, with its tubers surviving underground. In the dormant stage, the tubers can be left in the ground in warmer climates or dug up, stored, and overwintered frost-free in colder regions to be replanted the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dahlia 'White Lace', a striking ornamental plant favored for its intricate white blooms, is typically propagated through division, a method that involves separating the tuberous roots. This process is best performed in spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully lift the dahlia clump from the ground after the foliage has been cut back. Gently brush off the soil and identify the individual tubers which should have at least one eye, or bud, from which new growth will sprout. Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut the clump into sections, ensuring each division has at least one eye. The divisions can then be planted directly into the garden at a depth of about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters), spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth.