6 Be on the look-out for autumn flowering dahlias in local gardens. Don’t plant them now, but consider planting them in your own garden next December. Many Queensland gardeners are tempted to follow the practice of cool climate gardeners and plant Dahlias in spring. People ‘in the know’ in our climate will plant them around Christmas to see wonderful blooms through Autumn when the cooler nights extend the flowering time and each spectacular flower lasts longer. Dahlias first found their way into Spain in the late 18th Century. Spanish botanist and later Director of Mexico’s first botanic garden Vicente Cervantes was on expedition in Mexico (then New Spain) and found several species with single flowers. The seeds were sent to Jardin Botanica in Madrid where the Genus was named for Anders Dahl a Swedish Botanist. Dahlias also havea rich Aztec history which predates Spanish arrival in South and Central America. Dahlias were one of the first plants I knew and I have always had a fondness for them. My Grandad was a keen grower and I remember digging dahlia tuberous roots out of his garden when living with my grandparents as a teenager, and we were moving house. On the day of moving we left them on a garden wall, and made a mad dash back to retrieve them for the new garden where they again grew equally large and beautiful flowers. I remember watching Grandad planting the tubers each year, having stored them after lifting following flowering, and when the leaves had yellowed and died down. As they grew I watched him remove some of the flower buds to promote larger blooms on the flower forms he cherished which included Cactus, PomPon and Ball. (There are now over 30 Dahlia species and thousands of Dahlia hybrids!) He also dead headed spent flowers to encourage more branching. The divided tuberous roots should be planted into well composted soil, rich with well-rotted cow manure and with excellent drainage to avoid over wet roots. Always place a support stake or frame into the ground before placing the tuber. Each tuber should be lain down horizontally, about 10cm deep, and the end with the growing ‘eyes’ raised slightly, then covered with the same growing media. Dahlias and tomatoes stood tall and productive on 6ft stakes across my Grandad’s backyard, as it’s considered they require similar fertiliser regimes to get a premium result. Too much Nitrogen will force growth at the expense of flowers so look for well balanced fertiliser with N: P: K around 10: 4: 8, and apply weekly seaweed as a soil conditioner to enhance root strength and disease resistance. Dahlias can be damaged by mites and insects, and when young, snails can be a nuisance. Keep an eye on them each day and strike when you see the first problem, using a natural pesticide or organic method. Look for products based on low toxin soaps for mites, natural soil bacteria Bacillus thuringensis for caterpillars and the bacteria Spinosad for leaf miner and thrips. Natural bacteria break down quickly in sunlight so it’s best to spray later in the day for the best results. Organic gardeners recommend egg shells and saw dust to impede snail movement. Growing Dahlias is so rewarding, the cut flowers last well. Grandad used to provide me with bunches of cut flowers to take to my teachers. They loved them, but it didn’t mean better Report Cards! Perhaps the children in your family will grow to love gardening because of these beautiful multi-formed flowers? Irresistable Dahlias by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG Botanic Garden Consultant 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care GARDEN CLEANUPS / REJUVENATION & MAKEOVERS A SPECIALTY We offer an experienced, professional and reliable service Call Jeremy on ... Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Let us create your new and rejuvenated garden where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings ... Specialising Garden Makeovers & Rejuvenation * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping
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