In the Sunshine Gardening podcast episode 29, entitled How to Grow Guide for Dazzling Dahlias in Kentucky, host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes listeners to a show dedicated to cultivating dahlias. She introduces guest Dennis Morgeson, a Horticulture Extension Agent from Washington County, who possesses a wealth of knowledge on growing these flowers in Kentucky.
Kristin begins by highlighting the beauty and variety available in Dahlia blooms and touches upon their tropical origins. Dennis explains his love for dahlias, mentioning their ease of growth and the possibility of preserving them year after year with proper care.
Dahlia Varieties
The conversation shifts to selecting the right dahlia varieties for Kentucky, with Dennis advising against expectations for “dinner plate” size blooms due to the state’s heat. He recommends ‘Kelvin floodlight’ for those seeking larger flowers and emphasizes the influence of weather on bloom size.
Dennis discusses the importance of proper cultivar selection and techniques like pinching to maximize bloom size. He mentions different dahlia series, including the Bishop series, with its smaller red flowers and purple foliage, which proves easy to grow in Kentucky.
Soil Preparation & Planting
As per soil preparation, Dennis underscores the need for loose, humus-rich soil with good drainage to prevent tubers from rotting. He encourages incorporating organic matter like aged manure or peat to amend Kentucky’s clay soil.
Dennis instructs for soil temperatures above sixty degrees when planting dahlias, typically around mid-to-late April or May in Kentucky. He advises proper plant spacing, with larger dahlia types needing at least eighteen inches. He also recommends staking the taller dahlia varieties to prevent wind damage.
Fertilization is discussed. Dennis recommends a half cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting, followed by monthly applications until August. He highlights the significance of soil testing to avoid guessing fertilizer needs.
Dahlia Pests & Harvesting Tips
Dennis covers common pests, such as slugs, Japanese beetles, and thrips, offering various control methods, from slug bait and soapy water for beetles to insecticidal soaps and protective mesh for thrips.
The episode also addresses best practices for harvesting dahlia blooms, emphasizing cutting stems and placing them in hot water to prolong indoor vase life.
In conclusion, Kristin and Dennis summarized the advantages of growing dahlias in Kentucky, such as the long growing season and the ability to multiply and share tubers. Dennis pointed listeners to the American Dahlia Society and its ‘Dahlia University’ resources.
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