TIPS & TRICKS PART 2 – WATERING, FEEDING & OBSERVING 

HOW AND WHEN TO WATER 

SOIL BASICS

Different soil types, including loam, sandy soil, and clay soil, significantly influence how we should approach watering our plants. These soil types vary in their water-holding capacities and drainage characteristics, requiring specific watering practices.

Loam soil, which is considered the ideal soil type, consists of a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It retains moisture effectively while allowing excess water to drain away, creating a well-drained yet moisture-retentive environment for plant roots. When watering plants in loam soil, it is important to maintain consistent moisture levels, avoiding both excessive dryness and waterlogging.

Sandy soil, characterized by larger particles, drains water quickly. As a result, water tends to pass through rapidly, often leading to faster drying. Plants grown in sandy soil typically require more frequent watering to compensate for the quick moisture loss. It is important to ensure that water penetrates deeply into the root zone to adequately hydrate the plants.

In contrast, clay soil has smaller particles and tends to retain water for longer periods. It drains slowly and can become compacted, leading to poor drainage and potential waterlogging. When watering plants in clay soil, it is crucial to water less frequently but more deeply. This allows water to penetrate the soil slowly and reach the deeper root zones, promoting healthy root development while preventing water accumulation near the surface.

Understanding the characteristics of loam, sandy soil, and clay soil enables us to adapt our watering practices accordingly. By providing appropriate amounts and frequencies of water based on the specific soil type, we can ensure optimal moisture levels for plant growth, preventing issues such as underhydration or waterlogged roots.

WATERING THROUGH THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF PLANT GROWTH

Proper watering practices are essential for the successful growth of dahlias throughout their growing phase. The watering needs of dahlias evolve as they progress from the initial stages to maturity, flowering, and beyond.

During the early growth phase, after planting tubers, dahlias require moderate watering to establish their roots. It is crucial to provide sufficient moisture to support root development without overwatering. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. This can be achieved by watering the plants regularly, ensuring that the soil doesn’t dry out completely.

As dahlias mature and begin to produce blooms, their water requirements increase. They need a steady supply of water to nourish their flower heads and maintain their vitality. Increase the frequency and volume of watering to meet the heightened demand. Generally, providing about 2 inches of water per week is suitable for promoting healthy flowering during the summer months.

However, it is important to consider the impact of climate, soil conditions, and other environmental factors on the watering regimen. Monitor the moisture level of the soil regularly by checking the top layer with your finger. If the soil feels dry, it indicates the need for watering. On the other hand, if the soil is still moist, you can delay watering to avoid overhydration.

Keep in mind that the frequency of watering may vary based on factors such as rainfall, humidity, and individual plant needs. Adjust the watering schedule accordingly to ensure that the dahlias receive adequate moisture without being subjected to excessive dampness or drought stress.

By providing consistent and appropriate watering throughout the growing phase, dahlias can thrive and produce abundant and vibrant blooms. Regular monitoring and adjusting the watering routine based on the specific requirements of the plants will help maintain their health and beauty.

WHEN TO WATER

Watering dahlias in the early morning is highly recommended to promote optimal plant health. By emphasizing early morning watering, you ensure that the leaves have ample time to dry before nighttime, which offers several benefits.

Watering in the early morning allows the plants to absorb the moisture and utilize it efficiently throughout the day. As the sun rises and temperatures increase, the plants can make the most of the water they received, promoting healthy growth and nutrient uptake.

Additionally, watering in the early morning ensures that the foliage has enough time to dry before evening. Wet leaves during the night can create a favorable environment for fungal diseases to develop and spread. By allowing the leaves to dry thoroughly, you minimize the risk of fungal infections, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.

Watering earlier in the day also helps conserve water. As the sun gets higher and temperatures rise, evaporation rates increase. By watering in the early morning, you take advantage of cooler temperatures and reduced evaporation, allowing the water to penetrate the soil effectively and reach the plant’s roots.

While early morning watering is ideal, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid excessive moisture on the leaves. Overwatering or wetting the foliage late in the day can create a prolonged period of dampness, increasing the risk of fungal diseases. It is recommended to water at the base of the plants, directly onto the soil, rather than spraying water over the foliage.

In summary, watering dahlias in the early morning offers multiple advantages. It allows the plants to utilize water efficiently, promotes drying of the leaves before nighttime, reduces the risk of fungal diseases, and optimizes water usage. By incorporating this practice into your dahlia care routine, you can support healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

FEEDING YOUR DAHLIA’s

FEED FOR MORE FLOWERS NOT LEAVES!

The composition of your soil will determine the appropriate fertilizer for your dahlias. During the establishment of shoots, using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be beneficial. However, once blooms have emerged, it’s important to adjust your fertilizer regimen. Excessive nitrogen can result in dahlias that are bushy and leggy, with the blooms taking a backseat to excessive greenery. To enhance the beauty of the blooms, opt for a fertilizer with a ratio of 5-10-10. This ratio provides a higher concentration of potassium and phosphorus, which promotes flower development.

When applying fertilizer, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, as a general guideline for dahlias, a good rule of thumb is to fertilize at approximately 30 days of growth and again at 60 days. This helps ensure that the plants receive the necessary nutrients at critical stages of their development.

By selecting the appropriate fertilizer and adhering to the recommended application schedule, you can support the growth of healthy dahlias with abundant and captivating blooms.

REMOVING DEAD BLOOMS

To ensure continuous blooming and encourage healthy growth, it is important to be proactive in deadheading fading blooms from your dahlia plants. Waiting for blooms to naturally fall off on their own can hinder the plant’s focus on creating new showy flowers. Instead, by employing pruning shears and removing spent or fading blooms, you will prompt the plant to redirect its energy towards nurturing its roots and foliage, resulting in a more abundant flower production.

Regularly inspect your dahlia patch and make it a habit to deadhead every few days, removing blossoms that are past their prime. Start by locating the base of the fading flower and slide your fingers down the stem until you reach a set of leaves, a new bud, or a sidestem. Position your pruning shears just above one of these points and make a clean cut. This method ensures that unsightly, headless stems are avoided.

By removing fading blooms, you stimulate new growth from the nodes located just below the cut points. In just a few days, your dahlia plants will reward you with fresh growth and, ultimately, new blossoms. By practicing regular deadheading, you can maintain the vitality and beauty of your dahlia plants throughout the growing season.

LOOK FOR ANY SIGNS YOUR PLANT MIGHT BE IN STRESS

Maintaining vigilance and closely monitoring your dahlias throughout the growing season is essential due to their susceptibility to various pests and diseases. Regularly allocating time to inspect their leaves will help you identify early warning signs of poor health.

Pay close attention to the condition of the leaves, as any unusual color or structure can be an indication of underlying issues. Shredded leaves and bite marks may suggest a slug infestation. The presence of little yellow spots with black dots often indicates the presence of sucking insects like thrips or aphids. If you notice a sticky web, it is likely the work of mites.

A chalky, gray film on the leaves is typically a sign of powdery mildew, a common fungal disease. Fungal growth at the base of the plant could indicate root rot. Brown or black stems and leaves may be indicative of a viral infection.

By carefully monitoring your dahlias and promptly addressing any issues that arise, you can stay ahead of potential problems caused by pests and diseases, thus ensuring the continuous production of flowers. Regular inspection and early intervention are key to maintaining the health and vitality of your dahlias.

bREAKING THIS DOWN FURTHER

It is crucial to be vigilant and attentive to signs of distress in your plants to ensure their health and address any issues promptly. By actively observing your plants, you can identify and address problems before they escalate. Here are some signs of distress to look out for:

1. Wilting: If your plants appear limp or droopy, it may indicate insufficient water or excessive heat. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Wilting can also be a sign of disease or pest infestation, so inspect the leaves and stems for any abnormalities.

2. Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can be a symptom of various issues. It may be due to nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, or even pests. Assess the overall condition of the plant and investigate possible causes to address the problem appropriately.

3. Browning or Discolored Leaves: Browning or discoloration of leaves can indicate several issues, including nutrient deficiencies, fungal or bacterial infections, or environmental stressors such as extreme temperatures or improper lighting conditions. Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

4. Stunted Growth: If your plants are not growing as expected or seem to have slowed down significantly, it may be a sign of underlying problems. Check for root-bound conditions, nutrient deficiencies, or any signs of pests or diseases affecting the root system.

5. Pest Damage: Keep an eye out for signs of pest activity, such as chewed leaves, distorted growth, or the presence of insects. Promptly identify the type of pest and implement appropriate control measures to prevent further damage.

6. Fungal or Bacterial Infections: Look for any signs of fungal or bacterial infections, such as spots, lesions, mold, or unusual growth patterns. Take immediate action to isolate affected plants and treat the infection using appropriate methods.

7. Excessive Weed Growth: Weeds competing with your plants for resources can hinder their growth and overall health. Regularly inspect your garden for weed growth and remove them promptly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Remember, early detection of plant distress signs is key to addressing issues effectively. Regular monitoring, proper plant care, and timely intervention will help keep your plants healthy and thriving.

By diligently observing and promptly addressing any issues affecting your dahlia plants, especially those occurring beneath the blooms, you can proactively combat pests and diseases and ensure a continuous abundance of flowers.