Dahlias failing to bloom may indicate errors in one or several of these 5 aspects
In the world of gardening, dahlias are a popular choice for their vibrant blooms. However, to ensure a bountiful display of these beautiful flowers, it's essential to understand their care requirements.
David Fryer, head of technical at Mr Fothergill's, shares his expertise on dahlia cultivation. With a Horticulture BSc (hons) degree from Reading University and four years at Fothergill's Seeds under his belt, Fryer is well-versed in the intricacies of growing these stunning flowers.
One crucial aspect of dahlia care is deadheading. Deadheading prevents the plant from diverting energy into seed production and encourages more blooms, thus prolonging their flowering period. A clean, sharp pair of snips, like the Darlac Compact Snips, is recommended for this task.
However, overfeeding dahlias with fertiliser can do more harm than good. According to Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, excessive nitrogen can stop the plant from producing flowers. This is because too much nitrogen promotes vigorous leafy growth at the expense of flower formation.
To avoid this, Fryer advises checking the ingredients when buying fertiliser from a local garden centre to avoid overfeeding. A fertiliser like Vitax Dahlia Feed, priced at £8.99 on Amazon, is designed to promote strong growth and plenty of flowers. However, it's important to use a fertilizer with moderate or lower nitrogen content once the dahlias have established, focusing more on bloom-boosting nutrients.
Dahlias thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, too much shade can cause dahlia leaves to turn yellow and affect flowering potential. On the other hand, underwatering can also hinder flowering in dahlias.
Slugs can also pose a threat to dahlias, damaging shoots and flowers, causing buds to be lost. Copper slug tape, priced at £5.99 on Amazon, can deter slugs from damaging dahlias.
In summary, caring for dahlias involves providing them with the right amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients, and taking measures to protect them from slugs. By following these tips, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful display of dahlias in their gardens.
Caring for dahlias also involves tending to their lifestyle in the home-and-garden, specifically focusing on gardening practices. To prolong their flowering period, it's recommended to deadhead them regularly using a pair of sharp snips, like the Darlac Compact Snips. Meanwhile, avoiding overfeeding with fertiliser rich in nitrogen, such as regular garden centre fertilisers, is essential to prevent flower production and focus on strong growth and bloom-boosting nutrients, like those found in Vitax Dahlia Feed.
