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Different Varieties Offer
Different Looks
Ball dahlias have round flowers with blunt petals in a spiral pattern. Ball flowers that are two to four inches wide are called miniatures. Those less than two inches wide are called pompons. Two other categories of dahlias are the cactus and decorative types. Cactus dahlias bear many narrow, pointed petals surrounding the center disk. In contrast, decorative types have many board petals that are rounded at the ends. The petals obscure the disk completely.
Exhibition or show dahlias are large-flowered types that grow up to six feet tall. To produce big flowers, growers encourage the development of the center shoot by removing side buds as they appear. j
Dahlias are a must for the comer of the garden reserved for cutting flowers. The many flower shapes to choose from, including pompon, decorative, cactus and semi-cactus, are reason enough to include them in this area. Plus their responses to cutting cinches it; cut a dahlia and it responds by blooming again. The more you cut dahlias, the more dahlias you’ll have, all summer long and into the fall.
Dahlias Need Sunny Spot,
Well-drained Soil
Dahlias are easy to grow. They like a sunny spot and almost any kind of soil, so long as it drains well. Cover the tubers with soil and leave the old flower stalks sticking just out of the ground. Small varieties, such as top-mix, are planted six to eight inches apart. Give large-type dahlias a wide berth; plant them 24 to 28 inches apart. Taller dahlias may benefit from a planting ring or other support.
Dr. Diane is a horticulture specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extensioryand is a member of the faculty of Virginia Tech.
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