These luscious, colorful blooms fill gardens from mid-July through the first frost.
“I emerged through therhododendronhedge and saw this sea of color,” recalls English.
The dahlias would become a life’s calling.
Credit:High Hampton
Soon, he added award-winning dahlia grower to his resume, and the clients came calling.
“Gall is tuber based, and it rapidly produces through cellular regeneration,” explains English.
“Cafe au lait is another perennial favorite.
Credit:High Hampton
If you live in a climate where summer temperatures regularly soar towards 100 degrees, pot your dahlias.
Also, look for smaller, simpler blooms rather than intricate varieties or dinner plate dahlias.
Once the early summer temperatures set in, they grow quickly.
Credit:High Hampton
“It doesnt matter when you plant, theyll catch up by mid late July,” says English.
Japanese beetles are a threat as the plant continues to grow, leaving a holey trail in their wake.
Plus, there are several highly contagious mosaic viruses that are incredibly detrimental to dahlias.
Credit:High Hampton
In English’s words, “All they want to do is grow and bloom.”
But you have to give them a little nudge to do so.
English recommends pruning just before the bloom season to disbud extra buds and foliage around a main center bud.
Credit:High Hampton
First, sanitize the cutting shears or scissors between plants.
Then, count down at least two or three sets of leavesyou want a long stem.
If you lose a few buds along the way, that’s okay.
Give them fresh water every day.
“The bigger, thicker blooms will last seven to ten days if properly cut,” says English.
That’s when the work is about to begin.
“Let the tubers rest two to three weeks after frost then lift them from the ground.
Clean, sort, and tag them.
