Favorable days for planting annual dahlia seedlings in 2021 according to the moon

Summer residents and homeowners begin planning their dahlia plantings for next year as early as fall. They purchase seeds and prepare their plots in advance. However, for the flowers to thrive, they need to be planted at the right time. The lunar calendar is used to determine the optimal time, but the variety type and the climate of the growing region are also taken into account. Planting annual dahlias for seedlings in 2021 requires following certain guidelines.

Conditions for growing flowers

Recently, flower lovers have increasingly focused on growing annuals from seed. Among these annuals, dahlias occupy a prominent position. And it's no surprise. There are 42 species of these flowers, and tens of thousands of cultivars, divided into 12 classifications. Florists primarily use hybrid cultivars called Dahlia variegata, or Dahlia variegata, of which there are over 15,000.

Dahlias are easy-to-grow, but they do have some preferences. They won't grow in low-lying or swampy areas. They love sun and warmth, as their native land is Mexico. When planting dahlias, choose the following locations:

• solar;
• protected from wind and drafts.

The optimal soil for growing annual dahlias is humus-rich loam or sandy soil. In any case, the soil should be light and loose. The area chosen for dahlias is dug in the fall and then dug again in the spring. In the spring, in late March or early April, annual dahlia seeds are sown for seedlings.

Food containers and disposable plastic cups also work well. Ideally, you can purchase peat cups or tablets, or plastic trays. Sow seeds one at a time in each tray. This will prevent young, still-fragile seedlings from experiencing unnecessary stress during transplanting and will protect the root system from damage.

Soil preparation

For sowing annual dahlia seedlings, choose light and fertile soil. Alternatively, you can use a general-purpose potting soil for flower seedlings. However, in this case, it should be diluted with sand, perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir in a ratio of 3 parts soil to 1 part baking powder. You can also mix equal parts of:

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• sand;
• humus;
• turf soil.

Or mix two parts peat and one part sand. Once the soil is prepared, begin sowing. For annual dahlia seedlings, choose high-quality seeds from a reputable source.

Sowing

Before sowing, seeds should be disinfected, as they may contain unwanted pathogens. This can be done with a mild solution of potassium permanganate. Once all preliminary procedures are completed, you can begin sowing. Place drainage material at the bottom of the planting container. This can be:

• broken brick;
• expanded clay;
• calcined sand.

The drainage layer should be no more than 2 cm thick. Next comes the soil layer. Fill the container with it, leaving about 3 cm of space between the edges and the soil. Moisten the soil with a spray bottle and compact it lightly. Plant the seeds about 3 cm apart, pressing them lightly into the soil.

To speed up seed germination, you can moisten the soil with a growth stimulant solution instead of water. Then create mini greenhouses by covering the surface with plastic wrap, a transparent lid, or glass. It's best to label the container to avoid confusion, and move it to a warm place with a constant temperature.

Caring for seedlings

To grow strong annual dahlia seedlings, they need to be cared for both during and after germination. Although dahlias are considered easy-to-grow plants, they still require care and attention. During germination, maintain greenhouse conditions with a constant temperature. Ventilate the container daily and wipe away any condensation from the covering material. Once sprouts appear, gradually remove the covering material.

Watering plays an important role in the germination of seedlings:

• while the seeds have not yet sprouted, it is better to water them from a spray bottle;
• When the shoots appear, moisten the roots using a syringe.

Once the seedlings emerge, the container with the seedlings should be moved to a well-lit area to ensure full daylight. If necessary, use supplemental lighting. Otherwise, insufficient light will cause the seedlings to become elongated and thin. With proper seedling care, seedlings should appear within a week.

When two or three leaves appear, the picking stage begins. The seedlings should be transplanted into trays or individual cups, but don't delay transplanting, as they may become elongated.

Rules for picking:

1. A couple of hours before transplanting, it is necessary to water the soil with seedlings generously so that the soil becomes soft and the roots are not damaged during transplantation.
2. The container for transplanting is filled with soil, and a depression is made in the center.
3. Carefully remove the plant and move it into the hole, burying the seed leaves.
4. Sprinkle with soil, compact and water.
5. When picking, weak seedlings should be discarded, as they will not be able to take root well and produce strong plants.

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After repotting, the plants should be protected from direct sunlight for a period of time until they become established. Annual dahlia seedlings should be fed with a mineral fertilizer for seedlings after about three weeks.

In early June, when the threat of frost has passed, the seedlings are planted outdoors. Before planting, they are hardened off to ensure better establishment. To do this, the seedlings are placed outdoors for several days, gradually increasing their time outdoors. After planting outdoors, the plants need to be tied up. Dahlia stems are very fragile and can easily break.

Planting dates

The timing for planting annual dahlias varies slightly across different regions of Russia. For example, in the central part of Russia (the Moscow region and the surrounding area), according to the 2021 lunar calendar, annual dahlia seedlings can be planted on March 18th. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are favorable for dahlias. Cultivation work should be carried out on favorable days for dahlias, but care should be taken with watering, as the flowers are particularly susceptible to disease during these periods.

Planting days for annual dahlias.

Planting annual dahlias is a serious undertaking. Growing conditions in the Urals and Siberia are essentially no different from those in other regions. However, due to the harsher climate there, the time for planting outdoors shifts by a couple of weeks. Therefore, according to the lunar calendar, seedling planting, transplanting, and planting outdoors in the Urals and Siberia is recommended to be carried out in:

• March 3.4;
• In April, planting seedlings is favorable on the 8th, 26th, 28th;
• May, these are 6, 7, 23;
• In June, the lunar calendar for dahlias recommends the 3rd, 22nd, and 30th.

Planting according to the phases of the moon is a key consideration. New and full moons are days when it's best not to disturb plants, as they undergo restructuring and their sap flow changes. Lawns and alpine meadows can be mowed a day before and a day after; they will remain neat for a long time. Weeding is also recommended during these days; damaged weeds will remain dormant for a long time.

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During the waxing moon, the above-ground portion of the plant grows. Recommended:

• abundant watering;
• dividing and replanting perennials;
• planting annuals;
• mineral fertilization of plants.

During the waning moon, the plant's above-ground growth stops, and root development begins. The plant becomes less sensitive to pruning of shoots and branches. It is not recommended to water mature plants during this period, especially in cloudy weather. Seedlings and young plants require moderate watering to prevent root rot. During this period, plants are not sensitive to water.

Of course, every gardener has the right to decide for themselves how and according to which calendar to grow these wonderful flowers. One thing is certain: once they settle in your flowerbed, they will enchant you with their beauty and will live forever.