How to plant out your Dahlia Cuttings
Choosing dahlia cuttings over tubers brings several clear advantages. For starters, cuttings often yield faster, more robust growth. They allow gardeners to replicate the exact characteristics of the parent plant, ensuring consistency in color, form, and overall traits. Moreover, cuttings pose a lower risk of carrying diseases or pests that may sometimes be present in tubers. Dahlia’s grown from cuttings will also produce flowers AND tubers in their very first season. This method also grants gardeners a jumpstart, enabling them to begin new plants earlier in the season compared to planting tubers.
Before transplanting dahlia cuttings into their permanent outdoor home, it's crucial to harden them off. This process acquaints the young plants with the outdoor environment. Over 7-10 days, gradually expose the cuttings to outdoor conditions. Start with a few hours of indirect sunlight, increasing both time and intensity daily. This gradual transition toughens up the plants, reducing the risk of transplant shock.
Once your cuttings are prepped and acclimated, it's time to plant them. Opt for a well-draining location with nutrient-rich soil. Dig holes for each cutting, ensuring they're deep enough to accommodate the entire length of the cutting, with the top leaves sitting above the soil surface.
Dahlias thrive in specific environmental conditions. Choose a sunny spot for your cuttings, as they typically require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging is unfavorable for dahlias. Mulching around the plants aids in moisture retention and weed suppression although we hold this off until the plants are at least 20cm in height due to the fact that lots of dahlia eating bugs like to hide out in the mulch!
Gently place the cuttings in the prepared holes and pat the soil around them for support. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and initiate the rooting process. Aim to space the cuttings about 30-40 cm apart, providing ample room for each plant to flourish.
Throughout the growing season, consider a balanced fertilizer application every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients for robust growth and blooming. Keep a vigilant eye for pests and diseases, taking immediate action to prevent their spread.
Caring for dahlia cuttings extends beyond planting. Regularly remove faded blooms to promote continuous flowering and trim any damaged or yellowing leaves. Support taller varieties with stakes or corals to prevent bending or breakage in windy conditions.
A crucial tip to remember is not to overwater your dahlia cuttings. Though they enjoy consistent moisture, waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other issues. Be attentive to the specific watering needs of your dahlia varieties and adjust your schedule accordingly.
By following these steps, which include hardening off your cuttings and practicing careful watering, you'll create a dahlia haven that brings vibrancy and joy to your outdoor space.
Happy gardening!
Learn how to take dahlia cuttings