When properly cultivated, dahlias make great cut flowers

The Forest Grove News-Times, Jun 24, 2009

Although they require special care, colorful dahlia perennials can grace Oregon’s gardens from July until frost.

Native to central Mexico, the first wild dahlias were mostly single-flower types that grew on well-drained volcanic soils. Today’s come in a great variety of forms, from dinner-plates and pom-poms to single anemones and orchids.

Dahlias grow from tender, fleshy tubers, according to Barb Fick, home horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service. Their roots tend to be shallow; she recommends careful cultivating. In early July, mulch plants with well-aged compost to keep out competing weeds. Bait for slugs when the plants are young, and watch for earwigs when blossoms begin to form.
Dahlias are fast-growing and require a rich, well-drained soil. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Their fleshy roots can be damaged if waterlogged.

As plants grow, a monthly feeding will encourage large blooms, but do not fertilize dahlias after mid-August.

The large-flowering types may grow into bush-sized plants and should be staked to keep large, bushy plants from falling over.
For the showiest flowers, some dahlias perform better with some disbudding. When the flower buds appear, remove any adjacent side buds or suckers just below the terminal flower buds.

Dahlias make wonderful cut flowers. Cut the blossoms when they are fully open and put the cut ends into warm water immediately. Use floral preservatives or change the water every two to three days to increase the life of cut flowers.

For more information about growing and caring for dahlias, the OSU Extension Service offers a free fact sheet entitled “Dahlia Culture” (FS 95) online at http://extension.oregonstate
.edu/catalog/html/fs/fs95/.

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