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Dahlia Bulbs
Perhaps one of the most captivating things about Dahlias is the layered look of their flower
heads.
Whether its the single, anemone flowering, puff ball, or giant dinner plate that is the
favourite, American gardeners have been turning to Dahlias for a couple of hundred years.
This native of Mexico is one of the key players in the spring planting bulb crowd. Every
year, breaktaking new shapes and colours emerge and few flowers can surpass the Dahlia for
architectural appeal.
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Dahlias are grown from tubers and many gardeners get a head start by planting them indoors
six weeks before the last winter frost. Dahlias should be planted 2" to 3" deep. For bushier
growth, pinch plants at three weeks. When the last danger of frost is over, transplant to
a sunny location outdoors. Of recent years, many gardeners have begun to realize the potential
of the Dahlia as a potted plant, particularly the shorter varieties. But, in the perennial
border, the big guys can reach upwards of five feet in height and offer a succession of
radiant blooms all summer long and into early fall. Dahlia tubers should be dug up before
the first fall night frost and stored again for next years' planting. Keep them in a cool,
dark, dry place.
Some beautiful varieties are available which gradate in colour from the center outward,
like a spectacular firework. Some of the smaller flowering varieties have a charm of their
own, particularly those of the white "collar" type, whose delicate inner ring of petals makes
a striking contrast. Some Dahlias need to be staked and all varieties should be dead headed
frequently to prolong the blooming season.
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