Fifteen thousand varieties - so many dahlias familiar to gardeners can boast of. The state register of breeding achievements of Russia includes only six varieties, but each of them is suitable for cultivation in all regions of the country.
These flowers are sown both in open ground and in seedlings. The latter method allows you to extend the flowering of the crop until late autumn. And meeting the planting dates guarantees the appearance of the first flowers by mid-June. In determining the exact landing dates, three components should be taken into account:
- data from the instructions of the seed producer;
- lunar calendar recommendations;
- the distinctive climate of your region.
Content
Choosing a lunar calendar landing date
Experienced gardeners always check the day of planting seeds with the position of the moon. The fact is that different satellite gravitational forces affect the development of terrestrial plants. So, the first week after the new moon promises uniform growth of seedlings and especially their roots. The second week stimulates the development of leaves. On the third, it is recommended to transplant the sprouts, and the fourth suspends development - the plant is resting.
In 2018, the planting of annual flowers is recommended on the following days:
- March: 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26;
- April: 6, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.
On the other hand, the same movement of the moon at certain times promises gardeners unfavorable hours for planting seeds of annual flowers. Such days fall on the new moon and full moon, and you should not touch the seeds at this time.
- March: 1, 2, 3, 16, 17, 18, 30, 31;
- April: 15, 16, 17, 29, 30.
Dates of planting annual dahlias in the regions of Russia
The scheme for the germination of seedlings of annual dahlias is the same, in whatever territory the dacha is. Seeds are sown in a container, covered with a plastic wrap to accelerate seedlings. The first shoots make their way on the 10-12th day. With the advent of the first true leaf, picking into separate containers, greenhouses or greenhouses and culling of weak specimens is carried out.
On open ground, annual dahlias are sent only after the spring frost ends. In regions with a harsh climate, this period falls on the first summer month. If the transplant is carried out in the early stages, the seedlings require additional shelter in order to avoid hypothermia.
Krasnodar region
In the southern regions, the cultivation of annual dahlias through seedlings has one purpose - early flowering. Residents of these territories begin to sow seeds in March. They can be sown immediately in peat pots of 2-3 seeds. Two weeks later, when the first shoots appear, we proceed to thinning. It is better if in each pot one flower remains. When the trunk overcomes 5-6 cm, you can pinch the top, then the plant will not stretch and the trunk will be stronger.
In open ground, seedlings are planted in mid-May. Dahlias prepared in this way bloom already in June and produce new flowers right up to the first autumn frosts.
Moscow region
Gardeners in the Moscow Region begin sowing seeds of annual dahlias at the end of March. On the prepared soil spread the seeds at a distance of 3 cm from each other, sprinkle with earth and cover with a film. After the appearance of greenery, the film is removed for unhindered access of fresh air. In this state, seedlings require daily hydration.
From June 6 to 10, when the threat of night frost disappears, seedlings are planted on the beds.When planting in open ground, the plant is buried to the cotyledons.
Ural
Annual dahlia seed producers recommend Ural gardeners to sow flower seeds in the first ten days of April. The later planting period, in comparison with the Krasnodar Territory and Moscow Region, is due to the fact that night frosts in the Urals are delayed much longer. Accordingly, seedlings are transplanted into the open ground later than the central and southern territories of the country.
The soil here is guaranteed to warm up after June 10th. On this date, the beginning of the transfer of flowers to the beds falls. Despite the fact that summer comes into its own, Ural gardeners have to closely monitor the air temperature and, if necessary, cover the seedlings with a protective film at night.
Moreover, in early September, when frosts begin to show themselves, flowers need to be hilled, to raise the earth around the flower by 15-20 cm. If shoots were buried during planting, hilling should be avoided.
Siberia
The planting scheme for annual dahlias in Siberian gardens is directly dependent on climatic conditions. Late spring frosts, relatively short summers and early autumn allow you to sow seeds no earlier than the second decade of April.
Before planting in open ground, seedlings must be hardened. Depending on the air temperature, boxes with sprouts are taken out to the balcony on sunny warm days for a couple of hours. From June 5-7, seedlings are left on the balcony for the whole night. Seedlings of annual dahlias are ready for open ground by mid-June.
At the end of August, flower bushes need to be huddled to protect against the coming autumn frosts.
Krasnodar region | Moscow region | Ural | Siberia | |
Planting seeds | 2nd decade of March | 3rd decade of March | 1st decade of April | 2nd decade of April |
Open transplant | mid May | June 5-9 | after June 10 | mid june |
Hilling | mid September | beginning of September | end of August |
Dahlia growing temperature
Dahlias are considered relatively unpretentious flowers, but, nevertheless, they are sensitive to changes in temperature or mismatch of periods of development.
So, at the time of the appearance of the first shoots, the degree of ambient air should be quite high, 25-27 ° C. A similar indicator is achieved due to the covering material, a plastic film. As soon as the shoots make their way through a thin layer of sifted earth, the film is removed and the temperature drops. The recommended numbers for successful seedling growth are 18-20 ° C.
Shortly before planting in the open ground, plants should be tempered on a balcony or in a greenhouse so that in the future, the daily difference in daytime heat and night coolness does not stop the growth of flowers. You can start with a couple of hours of such a "walk" and end with a full eviction of seedlings in the fresh air.
After planting in open ground in conditions of unstable spring weather, you have to follow its vagaries. If night frosts are predicted, the flowers cannot be left open: a temperature of 2 ° C will destroy the seedlings. For shelter, cut plastic containers or film are used.
In addition, drafts and strong winds are dangerous for young plants. Paired with a low temperature for late spring and early summer (from +1 to -4 ° C), strong gusts of air are able to frostbite castings and stems.
Thus, annual dahlias bloom profusely if planted in a sunny place, protected from drafts and the north wind, for example, near the south wall of the house.
Conclusion
Growing annual dahlias from seeds is not very difficult. The first shoots appear after ten days. Seedlings easily tolerate diving, transportation and transplanting.
The only things that gardeners should pay attention to are planting dates, timely watering, and compliance with recommended temperatures. In this case, a riot of floral colors will delight from June to the end of October. Dahlias will bloom before the first snow, if you take a little care and follow the simple rules described above.