Cactus Dahlias: Growing from Seed, Planting, and Care (Photo)

Dahlia

Cactus dahlias are a true highlight of any flowerbed. They harmonize beautifully with other flowers, creating stunning floral arrangements. Dahlias delight with their long-lasting blooms. Their vibrant colors make them a favorite among gardeners.

Cactus dahlias have interesting petals and stand out with their vibrant colors. Many gardeners appreciate these plants, finding them very attractive.

Characteristics of the variety

Cactus dahlias are perennial plants. They can grow from 30 to 150 cm in height. They can be grown in a variety of ways: in a pot or in the ground.

Flowers come in a variety of shades. The abundance of colors is simply astounding. Blue and black are exceptions; these shades are not found in this group. The structure of the flowers is particularly striking. They are twisted into tubes with pointed ends. The diameter of the flowers can range from 10 to 30 cm.

Please note: Bicolor dahlias are also common. Their petals can come in several shades.

Dahlia bushes can be used as standalone plantings or to decorate flowerbeds. Either way, you'll create a stunning composition and add interest to your garden.

Advantages and disadvantages of cactus dahlias

Many gardeners plant dahlias in their flowerbeds. Cactus dahlias have several advantages. The main ones are the following:

variety of varieties;
bright and lush flowers;
long flowering period;
Dahlias harmonize perfectly with other flowers.

The following are some of the disadvantages: to enjoy the flowers with their splendor, you'll have to put in a lot of effort. Only by following a specific growing technique will you be able to create a flowerbed of incredible beauty.

The most popular varieties

The cactus dahlia is particularly captivating. The diversity of varieties is astounding. Each species is unique and has its own characteristics:

Snobo Diana is a flower of astonishing beauty. The bush can reach a height of up to 1.4 meters. Up to 10 flowers can be harvested from a single bush.
Ferdif Illusion has lush, eye-catching buds. Four large flowers can be harvested from one bush.
Summer Night – colorful flowers truly decorate the flowerbed. The scarlet petals look luxurious.
Kiruna is an intriguing variety distinguished by its opulence and grandeur. Bicolor petals are common, with the colors blending from one hue to another, creating luxurious buds.
Shooting Star is a tall variety. Its large, lemon-colored flowers have lilac-edged petals. The flowers resemble chrysanthemums in appearance.
Grand Finale – the plant can reach a height of up to 140 cm. The petals are presented in red and white.
Lilaste Seren is a stunning variety. The petal tips are lilac, while the centers are pale yellow. The bush is compact, and the leaves are lacy.
Lemon is a large plant, reaching 200 cm in height. The petals are pale yellow.
Cheerios have red flowers with white petal tips. The inflorescences can reach up to 16 cm in diameter. The bush is tall, reaching up to 130 cm.
Acapulco – raspberry-colored petals, slightly dissected, gathered in large inflorescences. The bush is compact, reaching a height of up to 170 cm.
Anderson's delicate flowers harmonize beautifully with other plants. The cactus dahlia can be a true highlight of any flowerbed.
Aloha – the bush can reach a height of up to 1.4 meters, and the flowers have a diameter of up to 18 cm. Up to 10 flowers can be cut from one bush.
Volcano – a bush can produce up to 6 flowers, with the plant reaching a height of no more than 1.4 meters. Importantly, the petals are red, with the edges turning orange when exposed to sunlight.
Dream – up to 20 flowers can be cut from a bush. The bush can reach a height of 1.4 meters.
Red carnation – the bush grows up to 1.2 meters tall. The flowers can change color in the sun.

Planting dahlias

Before planting, you need to prepare the site. Dahlias prefer a sunny location. The soil should be fertile. This should be done in the fall by digging it over. In the spring, the soil should be dug over again and fertilized.

Sowing should begin in May, when there's no longer a risk of frost. First, select the tubers. They should be firm, healthy, and large. Any defective tubers should be discarded immediately.

The distance between plants should be approximately 100 cm. Dig holes, place the tubers in them, and water the soil. Since the flowers will need support later, it's best to insert the stake immediately. Doing this later could damage the tubers.

Caring for Dahlias

When growing cactus dahlias, it's important to follow proper planting techniques and provide appropriate care. These plants aren't particularly fussy. However, with maximum care, the flowers will delight you with their splendor for a long time.

Plant care activities include the following:

Watering. Flowers require moderate and timely watering, especially during the budding period. Without sufficient moisture, the plant will not be able to bloom.
Fertilizing. Dahlias require fertilizing, especially from July to September. Liquid fertilizers containing potassium are best.
Mulching. This procedure will help retain moisture in the soil and protect plants from weeds. Compost or peat can be used as mulch.
Remove faded flowers. This will prolong the blooming period of your dahlias.
Staking. The stake should be buried 40 cm deep in the soil. Once the bush grows, the main stem should be tied to the support. As the plant grows, additional staking will be required.
Side shoots should be removed. As soon as side shoots appear, they should be trimmed. Experienced gardeners recommend leaving only two stems. To ensure large inflorescences, pinching should be done. Side shoots should be pinched during growth and flowering.

Collection and storage

Cactus dahlias are usually dug up in late September. It's best to choose a dry day for this. This will allow the tubers to dry out, extending their shelf life.

Using a knife, cut the flowers 10 cm above the ground. Cover the cut bushes with foil and dig around them on all sides. Use a pitchfork to remove the root ball from the soil, rinse it with water, and place it in a potassium permanganate solution for half an hour.

Next, the tubers need to dry, which will take at least 8 hours. After this, they can be stored. They should be stored in boxes lined with pine sawdust. Alternatively, you can use a bag, box, or newspaper for storing dahlias.

ImportantThe tubers should be inspected periodically. Any damaged specimens should be removed immediately. To protect the tubers from rotting, they can be sprinkled with charcoal.

Diseases and pests

The most dangerous pests of dahlias are bugs, aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. To protect the plants, treat the crops with insecticides.

Wireworms are also found in dahlia flowerbeds. If you're certain the pest may be present, add chlorophos to the soil when planting.

The most dangerous diseases are spotted or mosaic wilt. Affected plants must be removed from the area and burned.

Reviews

Evgeniya, 47 years old:

"I'm planting dahlias in a flowerbed in a variety of shades: red, white, pink. Next year I'll definitely buy other varieties. The flowerbed looks stunning and attracts everyone's attention."

Valeria, 35 years old:

"Dahlias are my favorite flowers. The varieties and cultivars are simply amazing. The flowerbed is colorful, vibrant, and unique. I'll continue to sow them and enjoy their blooms."

Cactus dahlias are a stunning addition to any flowerbed. Many gardeners find these luxurious bushes particularly captivating. Different varieties offer a wealth of color and create a flowerbed of incredible beauty. With a little attention, this garden beauty can achieve stunning results. The plants will delight with their magnificent blooms for months.