Dahlias are recognized as one of the most beautiful and long-flowering garden plants. A magnificent representative of astroids can be grown in various variations, because at the moment about 15 thousand of its varieties are known. But what if the dahlias have faded? What to do next with buds and the plants themselves in the autumn - that's what excites first of all inexperienced gardeners.
Care for dahlias after flowering
Each bud should be removed. The fact is that the extra tops (including the bud) are able to delay the development and growth of new flowers. Thus, by cutting off an unnecessary part of the dahlia with a sharp knife, you stimulate the formation of flowering further and for a longer time.
How to care for dahlias in the fall?
Another thing is when the dahlia completely stops flowering in the autumn time. Like many perennials, this plant requires special care during this period. However, many inexperienced gardeners may not be aware of what to do with dahlias in the fall. If, for example, in the southern regions with mild winters, the plant left in the ground does not have anything, then in more severe regions such negligence is fraught with the death of your pets. So, if you still live in a warm climate, care in the fall includes fairly simple actions: trimming stems and shelter for the winter. If we talk about when to cut dahlias in the fall, then the right time for this is a complete cessation of flowering. The stem is shortened almost to the ground. Well, foliage or sawdust is recommended to cover the remains of the stem, thus creating a shelter from possible frosts.
With regard to the care of dahlias in the autumn and their preparation for winter in regions with low frost, additional efforts are needed here:- First, the rhizomes of dahlia are excavated. And the procedure is carried out,
as soon as the first freeze. The tops damaged by frost are cut off: you only need to leave a part of the stem up to 12-15 cm long. - Next, the tubers are cleaned, washed and thoroughly dried. Many gardeners, for example, recommend additional processing of rhizomes. You can initialize. In a saucepan, melt paraffin, which then dipped the tubers of dahlia. There is also a way to cover tubers with whipped protein. It is applied with a brush. The dried tubers are put in cotton cloth and then placed in a box. Rhizomes can be wrapped with plastic bags, not forgetting to place sawdust or sand. Then the tubers are placed in a dry but cool place.