Pom-pom dahlias: growing from seeds, photos

Dahlias can be found in every garden, and pom-pom dahlias stand out from other varieties. A striking flower that attracts everyone's attention, they are a true highlight of any flowerbed.

Pom-pom dahlias come in a variety of shades. The flower is instantly eye-catching. Its unusual shape, vibrant color, and easy cultivation make it a very popular choice.

Characteristics of dahlias

Flowers can be up to 7 cm in diameter. This variety's distinctive feature is that the petals are rolled into a thin tube. Dahlias come in the following colors: yellow, scarlet, burgundy, crimson, and snow-white. Blue plants are not available.

The bush is low, often no taller than a meter. The leaves are oval and sensitive to sudden temperature changes.

Please note: if the temperature drops to 3 degrees Celsius, you should dig up the bush. Otherwise, the plant may die.

How to get seeds

Dahlias are luxurious flowers that delight with their blooms for quite a long time. To grow them, you need to prepare the planting material. The easiest way is to buy it at the store.

You can also harvest the seeds yourself. To do this, take a closer look at the buds. Once the capsules are dry and the scales begin to peel off, you can begin harvesting.

When frost sets in, cut flowering plants and place them in a glass of water. The seeds will ripen indoors within two weeks.

Preparing soil for seedlings

To make the planting process easier, you can purchase ready-mixed soil at the store. If you prefer, you can prepare the soil mixture yourself. To do this, mix sand, humus, and turf soil. Each component should be used in equal quantities.

Homemade soil must be disinfected. There are several methods you can use:

• Place the soil in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer. Let the soil sit for 24 hours.
• Place the soil on a baking sheet and leave for 2 hours at a temperature of 200 degrees.

Sowing work

The seeds are quite large, so placing them in the soil won't be difficult. Cover the seeds with soil. Watering is essential. A spray bottle is best. Cover the seedlings with a piece of glass.

Germination of seeds

You can grow annual and perennial pom-pom dahlias from seeds, but to do so, it's important to learn the basic intricacies of growing plants. The first shoots will appear within a week of planting the seeds. This stage is crucial. Seedlings require good light.

For the seeds to germinate, favorable conditions must be provided:

• crops need to be ventilated regularly;
• The temperature regime should be 25 degrees.

As soon as the seedlings emerge, the glass should be removed and the seedlings placed in a bright spot. However, direct sunlight should be avoided, as this will kill the plants.

How to transplant seedlings

As soon as the first three leaves appear on the seedlings, they need to be pricked out. First, prepare individual containers and fill them with soil. Poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup to allow excess moisture to drain.

The seedlings, along with the root ball, should be carefully removed and transferred to a separate container. Water them with a spray bottle.

Preparing seedlings before planting in open ground

Dahlias can be planted in flowerbeds at the end of May. However, there's no need to rush. Wait until the threat of frost has completely passed.

In addition, plants need to be hardened off. This will allow them to establish themselves more quickly in the flowerbed. Hardening off can begin as early as May. To do this, take the seedling containers outside. During the first few days, the time spent outdoors should not exceed 5 minutes. Gradually increase the duration of the procedure.

Selecting a site

To ensure long-lasting blooms, the pompom dahlia requires careful selection of its site. The flowerbed should be located in a well-lit area with fertile soil.

Caring for Dahlias

Caring for dahlias is easy. However, to ensure lush and beautiful growth, favorable conditions are essential. Dahlia care involves the following:

1. Mulching. This procedure is necessary to encourage the bush to form new tubers. It also makes the plant more resistant to wind gusts. Mulching will reduce the need for weeding and watering.
2. Watering. The soil should be moistened several times a week. However, be careful not to allow moisture to stagnate around the roots. This can lead to tuber rot. During dry periods, hilling is necessary. This will help retain moisture in the soil.
3. Fertilizing. At the beginning of the growing season, add organic fertilizers containing nitrogen to the soil. This will allow the bush to gain strength. As soon as buds begin to form, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. This will make the dahlia's pom-poms vibrant and prolong the flowering period.
4. Pruning. This procedure is performed to make the bush more luxuriant. Furthermore, by cutting the main stem, additional buds will begin to appear on the side branches.

Dahlia pests

Flowers can be attacked by pests such as aphids, bugs, cutworms, slugs, whiteflies, and chrysanthemum nematodes.

Chemical pesticides can help get rid of pests. Aktara, Actellic, and Confidor have proven effective.

Varieties for the dacha

Dahlias come in a wide variety. Many gardeners enjoy growing them in their flowerbeds. The most common varieties are:

• Mix of colors. The flowers have brightly colored clusters. The bush reaches a height of one meter. Blooming continues for a long time, until October.
• Terry ballThe inflorescences can reach up to 7 cm in diameter. This variety is characterized by its resistance to adverse conditions. The plant prefers warmth, light, and fertile soil.
• White Nordlicht. The petals are yellow, and the inflorescences are up to 6 cm in diameter. This variety is drought-tolerant and looks attractive in bouquets.

• Yellow baby. The bush is small, no more than 50 cm tall, and is adorned with yellow flowers. The plant is used to decorate flower beds.
• Gretchen Heine. The plant grows to approximately 100 cm in height. The inflorescences are double and spherical. A single bush can produce up to 15 buds at a time.

Tall pom-pom dahlias

When growing pom-pom dahlias from seed, tall varieties are found. The most striking examples are the following:

• Ankress. The inflorescences are up to 6 cm in diameter and white. The bush grows to a minimum height of 115 cm. Up to 10 buds can bloom on a bush.
• Fatima. The bush grows up to 120 cm tall. The inflorescences are a rich pink color. Flowering occurs from July until frost.

Dwarf Pom-Pom Dahlias

An interesting group of plants, represented by small bushes. However, the inflorescences are lush and large. The following varieties are the most popular in this group:

• Willo's Surprise. The bush is only 45 cm tall. The inflorescences are spherical in shape and come in a burgundy color.
• Small World. The plant grows up to 50 cm tall. Its snow-white globes are particularly eye-catching. The inflorescences are only 5 cm in diameter. Looking at the bush, it looks as if it's been snowing in summer.

Reviews

Maria, 36 years old:

"Pompon dahlias are a constant presence in my flowerbed. Their vibrant blooms are a true highlight. They're easy to care for, which is especially pleasing. They bloom for a long time. The flowerbed is adorned with vibrant colors all summer long."

Nadezhda, 47 years old:

"I've been growing flowers for a long time. Pom-pom dahlias are my favorites. I plant them not only in flower beds but also in pots. They're a stunning sight, and the floral arrangements brighten up the entire yard.

"How exciting it is to grow flowers and use them to create a flowerbed of incredible beauty. I plan to continue doing what I love."

https://youtu.be/aZRCBTwWVoM

Lyudmila, 53 years old:

"Pompon dahlias are a stunning addition to any flowerbed. They look stunning planted both individually and in groups. The lush globes attract attention. It's simply impossible to stop admiring such beauty."

Pom-pom dahlias are a common sight in gardens, and many gardeners prefer them. Their easy care, long blooming period, and resistance to environmental factors make them increasingly popular.