Dahlia is native to Mexico. It has a wide height range (1 to 6 ft) and a variety of flower shapes and sizes (2 to 12 inches).

 

Dahlia flowers range from 2-3 inches across for single flowered forms and up to twice that for the double-flowered forms. Bloom color range includes just about every color- orange, pink, purple, red, scarlet, yellow, and white except blue. Some flowers are striped or tipped with a different color. Dahlia flowers are usually 3 1/2 inches in diameter and ball shaped or slightly flattened. The quelled petals are blunt or rounded at the tip. Pompons are smaller version of ball dahlias with flowers less than 2 inches in diameter.

 

Dahlias are classified according to flower shape and arrangement of petals. These include the--Single-flowering dahlias, Orchid-flowering dahlias, Double-flowering types, Cactus dahlias, Semi-cactus dahlias and Decorative dahlias (formal and semiformal).

 

Dahlia grows in full sun or partial shade and rich, evenly moist soil. Plant after danger of frost has passed in spring, setting the eyes, which are located near the base of the previous year's stalk, facing up. Gardeners in cold-winter climates can get a jump on a short season by starting tubers indoors in pots or flats 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Varieties which grow much taller than 24" should be staked. Take care when pushing the stake into the soil to avoid injuring the tuber. For continued bloom, it is important to remove spent flowers.

 

Dahlias have eight sets of homologous chromosomes, whereas most plants have only two. They begin blooming in early summer and continue to frost. Flower production may slow with high summer temperatures and moisture stress. Dahlias can be started from dormant tuberous roots, grown from seeds, rooted from cuttings, or purchased as transplants.

 

Did you know?

·        The dahlia is named after Swedish 18th-century botanist Anders Dahl.

·        They are the national flower of Mexico.