Dahlias

I only have one and no idea what it is called either

 

The giants are just starting to get into their stride. My first show is on the 27th of this month so I should have a good selection to choose from. Last year was my first serious attempt with Dahlias and my timing was well out.

Janal Amy


Kenora Challenger.


The Sir Alf Ramsey's and Bonaventure's should be ready by show time.

 

My first one this year to exceed the magical 12" diameter. For anyone who would like to have a go at growing a giant its a variety called "Bonaventure" and I have found it easier to grow than some of the others.

 

Beautiful shape on that @Billybell
When you say easier to grow.. in what way? Do they flower quicker or less picking of buds for bigger blooms?

 

Congratulations Woo, looking good.

 

Hi Linz,
Like any giant if you want the largest blooms you cant neglect the restricting of it to just three stems. I found it easier than some of the others because right from the start the tuber sent up plenty of cutting material. These in turn seemed to root and grow on much quicker than some others taken at the same time. Then finally once they were planted out they just seemed to romp away.

 

Thanks for that, I haven't gone as far as taking cuttings of any of mine. Think I will have to give it a go but space is very limited. Some have been restricted, some haven't but they have put on a good show so far. All the best in your exhibition

 

L-r Top mix, duet and ?
Not sure another no shisha lookalike

This was from a lovely lady off gardeners world forum before I left, its supposed to be orange but not complaining its huge and lovely!


One I put in the front bed, pleased with how its doing

Most of the dahlias round the front are flowering now

The one grown from seed last year has gone crazy
3 more to go

 

Unless you want to increase your stock from a particular tuber then cuttings are not necessary for garden display. The best blooms for showing purposes are usually from a plant that was started as a cutting in the spring.

 

I have just finished lifting my Dahlias and oh boy the corms have they been busy expanding. I already have a "hedge" of them and am now inundated. I have been growing these Dahlias for over 25 years and now have far too many. If anybody would like some please let me know. I am happy to give some corms away,all I'd ask for would be the postage.
I will store the corms as per normal until next Spring by which time they shouldn't be so heavy to post.
Photo is of a couple of flowers taken yesterday. The blooms are what I term medium size. The smaller bloom is a better representation of the colour, the blooms at this stage of the season are a bit faded as their true colour is bright scarlet . The foliage is a good rich green and they grow about 3 ft tall. Other photo shows them a bit but they are a brighter red than they look.They look very good in amongst herbaceous plants or on their own. Living in Scotland I always lift my Dahlias but they might be ok being left in situ further South.