Yellow Hammer Dahlia Dahlia 'Yellow Hammer' (Sin/dwb)

Water

Dahlia 'Yellow Hammer' requires consistent moisture, so it's crucial to water the plant deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once or twice a week. During active growing seasons, particularly in dry, hot weather, watering may need to be more frequent. It's best to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize moisture on the foliage. Generally, supplying about one to two gallons of water per week should suffice, but always adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions to avoid waterlogging.

Light

Dahlias, including 'Yellow Hammer,' thrive in full sunlight, so plant them in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates, but insufficient light may result in fewer blooms and leggy growth. Choose a location that is sheltered from strong winds to protect the plant's tall stems.

Temperature

The ideal growing conditions for Dahlias like 'Yellow Hammer' include temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can handle some variability, but extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, while frost temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can be damaging. For optimal growth, aim to keep them in the aforementioned ideal range as much as possible.

Pruning

Pruning your 'Yellow Hammer' Dahlias is essential for maintaining their shape and promoting prolific blooming. It's best to pinch out the growing tips when the plant has several sets of leaves to encourage bushiness. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate continued blooming. During the growing season, you may need to prune every 2 to 3 weeks, focusing on removing dead or damaged tissue and shaping the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dahlias prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5-7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can create an ideal growing medium. Amend with compost or well-rotted manure to increase fertility.

Repotting

Dahlias should be repotted every year, typically in the spring. After the last frost, divide tubers if necessary and repot in fresh soil to encourage robust growth.

Humidity & Misting

Dahlias thrive in moderate humidity levels; extreme humidity can lead to fungal problems. Aim for a humidity level around 40-60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and sufficient pot size for growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil after frost risk.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Dahlia 'Yellow Hammer' begins its life cycle as a tuber, which is planted in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed. During the germination stage, the tuber sends up shoots that develop into stems and leaves in the vegetative growth phase. Following vegetative growth, the plant enters the flowering stage in summer or early fall, where it produces its distinctive bright yellow, petal-packed blooms. After flowering, as temperatures cool and daylight shortens, the Dahlia 'Yellow Hammer' enters senescence, where the above-ground growth dies back. To complete the cycle, gardeners typically dig up the tubers in fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place over winter, to be replanted the next spring. If left in the ground in warmer climates, the tubers can overwinter and re-sprout the following season, beginning the life cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• For the Dahlia 'Yellow Hammer', or more commonly known just as Dahlia, the most popular propagation method is by division of tubers, which is typically done in the spring. Dahlias grow from underground tuberous roots, which resemble a cluster of brown, carrot-like tubers connected by the previous year's stem. To propagate, you wait until the new shoots have emerged in the spring and are about 2-3 inches tall. Carefully dig up the clumps of dahlia tubers ensuring to minimize damage. Each section of the divided tuber clump must contain at least one eye, or bud, from which the new plant will grow. The cut should be made with a sharp, clean knife to reduce the risk of disease. After division, let the cut surfaces dry for a day or two to form a callous before planting. Tubers can then be planted about 6-8 inches deep (15-20 centimeters) and spaced approximately 18-24 inches apart (46-61 centimeters) depending on the mature size of the variety.