Tubers – Plants and Flowers
Dahlia bulbs, much loved for their colourful blooms, are perennial plants that grow from tubers. They are known for their vibrant flowers and are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
Originating from Mexico and the Central Americas, Dahlias’ vibrant and eye-catching flowers are produced during the summer months. To keep your Dahlias thriving, they do need some care and attention. For the best results, it’s recommended to lift and store Dahlia bulbs over the winter season.
When harvesting Dahlias for cut flowers, it’s best to do so early in the morning when the blossoms have fully opened. Placing the freshly cut stems in water as soon as possible will help prolong the life of the flowers.
Due to their versatility, you can grow Dahlias in pots. Smaller varieties like Mystic Illusion are particularly well-suited for container gardening.
Dahlia Season in Australia
In Australia, Dahlias typically bloom during late summer to autumn. However, the bulbs or tubers are planted in spring. A good rule of thumb is to plant Dahlias around Melbourne Cup Day, which falls on the first Tuesday in November. Alternatively, you can plant them after the risk of frost has passed. It’s advisable to shop for bulbs a bit earlier to have a wider selection of new releases.
The Dahlia planting season varies by location but generally falls within a 3 to 4-week window on either side of Melbourne Cup Day. Keep in mind that Dahlias dislike excessively wet conditions, so if your soil tends to be soggy, consider mounding the soil. Dahlias should not be planted in areas where you’ve previously grown tomatoes or potatoes.
Varieties and Types
Dahlia flowers vary greatly, with many different forms and sizes, from small blooms to enormous decorative types with flowers as large as dinner plates. Dahlias come in an array of colours, from bold and brilliant reds, yellows and purples to soft and delicate pastels of pink and pristine whites. Some of the popular flower types include:
- Decorative Dahlias: Intricate and layered petals, creating a lush and full appearance.
- Cactus Dahlias: Spiky and tubular petals resembling the appearance of a cactus flower.
- Pompon Dahlias: Small, perfectly round blossoms like pompoms.
- Water Lily Dahlias: Flat and open petals resembling water lilies.
- Ball Dahlias: Compact and globe-shaped with symmetrical and charming appeal.
- Collarette Dahlias: An outer ring of petals around a central disc, creating a collar-like appearance.
- Orchid Dahlias: Resembling orchids with elegant and intricate petal arrangements.
- Stellar Dahlias: Named for their star-like petals.
- Fimbriated Dahlias: Fringed or frilled petals with delicate and intricate beauty.
- Exhibition Dahlias: Known for their impressive size and symmetry.
- Anemone Dahlias: Featuring a central disc surrounded by elongated, petal-like ray florets.
- Peony Dahlias: Resembling peony blooms offering a romantic and full appearance.
- Baby Dahlias: Miniature Dahlias are perfect for smaller spaces or container gardening.
- Bronze Foliage Dahlias: Striking bronze or dark foliage that complements their blossoms.
- Singles: Simplicity at its best, with a single row of petals surrounding a central disc.
Dahlia Bulbs or Tubers are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
www.planterspatch.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: sales@vdqbulbs.com.au
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au