How to feed dahlias for growth and flowering

Dahlias are native to the highlands of Mexico, Chile and Guatemala. As an ornamental flowering plant, they have long been common throughout the world. There are more than 30 species of this flower, and the culture can be grown both as perennial and annual. Regardless of the variety and cultivation technology, dahlias need additional feeding. Lovers of these flowers must know not only the timing of fertilizing, but also how to fertilize dahlias is preferable.

What trace elements do dahlias need?

All mineral fertilizers, except for complex fertilizers, are divided into potash, phosphorus and nitrogen. More often, there are two elements in the composition. The most common are superphosphate, nitroammophoska, urea and potassium nitrate.

Lovely dahlias need regular feeding

Each element in the composition of fertilizers has a specific effect and effect on individual parts of the plant. It is worth learning about each in more detail in order to understand how to feed dahlias and when it is more correct to do it.

Nitrogen

This element plays a huge role in plant life. The dry matter of the plant contains from 1% to 3% nitrogen. Top dressing containing nitrogen promotes more powerful growth of vegetative mass, gives the leaves a dark green color and slows down the aging process.

Phosphorus

This element takes an active part in the carbohydrate metabolism of plants. Unlike nitrogen, it increases frost resistance. Full-fledged phosphorus-containing dressings accelerate flowering and improve its quality. This is especially important for flowering crops.

With a lack of this element, plants develop poorly. Signs of phosphorus deficiency include stunted shoots and the appearance of reddish and purple spots on the leaves.

Potassium

Potassium is not a part of organic compounds; nevertheless, its role in plant life is very great. It serves as a catalyst in metabolic reactions and promotes cell watering. Also, this element increases frost resistance, contributes to a better supply of nitrogen from the soil, strengthening tillering and strength of the stems.

Mineral fertilizers - a source of valuable microelements

In addition to the listed elements, all plants, including dahlias, need other elements, such as:

• magnesium;
• calcium;
• sulfur;
• iron.

As a rule, they are additives in mineral fertilizers with a predominance of one of the main nutrients.

Nutrients for growth and flowering

Each element in the composition of a mineral or organic fertilizer has a certain effect on plants. For this reason, they are brought in at different periods of flower development to stimulate certain processes. It is very important not only to know, but also to understand what fertilizers are used as top dressing for dahlias, and during what period they are applied.

Top dressing is essential for growth and flowering

Finished mineral fertilizers

Complex mineral dressings, as a rule, have a complex composition, but the content of certain elements in them prevails. The action of each is aimed at activating a specific process. There are three main ones:

• building up vegetative mass.For this purpose, nitrogen-containing fertilizers or nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers are used. It is these elements that stimulate the growth and development of shoots. As a rule, such fertilizers are applied only before the beginning of budding. Otherwise, the bush will grow lush, but without flowers;
• flowering stimulation. You can increase the number of flowers on the dahlia bush, as well as extend the flowering period, using top dressing containing potassium. It will not only affect the completeness of flowering, but also increase its frost resistance;
• building up the root system. Dahlias have a distinctive feature - the tubers of plants must be dug up for the winter. In order for them to grow strong and mature before digging, they need phosphorus. This element has a beneficial effect on the underground part of the flower.

Dahlias need enhanced nutrition

Organic types of dressings

Such types of fertilizing as organic fertilizers have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of flowering plants. They stimulate the processes of root formation, as well as the formation and development of flower buds.

In addition, in soils rich in organic substances, the vital activity of microorganisms is more intense, which contribute to the formation of assimilable nutrients. Simply put, without organic matter, minerals are less assimilated by the flower. Another positive effect of such dressings is the improvement of the soil structure.

Nitrogen prevails in all organic fertilizers. For this reason, they are used for the development of plant growth, especially in the first months of growth. There are several types most commonly used by flower growers:

• bird droppings. It is a concentrated and fast acting organic fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. The composition also contains phosphorus and potassium, but in smaller quantities. Fertilizer in its pure form is not used, but diluted with water. It is recommended to feed perennial flower plants only with a fermented solution of poultry droppings in a ratio of 1:40;
• manure. Fast acting nitrogen-potassium fertilizer. It is used not only for liquid fertilizing, but also for composting. The composition also includes phosphorus, but it is less than other elements. For dahlias, it is best to use horse manure or cow manure, but pig manure is contraindicated for these flowers;
• compost. This fertilizer has a very rich composition with a predominance of nitrogen. In addition to the main elements, it contains microorganisms and additional nutrients. Sometimes mineral fertilizers are added to the compost to enrich the composition. It can also be used as mulch.

These are the most common organic fertilizers. In relation to dahlias, they are all applicable and actively used by flower growers. In addition to the above, you can take an infusion of rotted grass and peat as a top dressing.

Composting

Separately, there is such a valuable fertilizer as compost. It is not only nutritious, but also one of the safest. In addition, it is not difficult to prepare it knowing the technology. For the bookmark, they use not only mowed grass and tops of vegetable plants, but also kitchen residues of natural origin.

Compost is a storehouse of nutrients

When laying the compost heap, choose a dry and protected place. Further, the process is performed step by step:

1. At the bottom, peat is laid out with a layer of 15-20 cm, or the soil layer is simply loosened to the same depth.
2. A layer of waste 20-30 cm thick is laid on top and covered with a layer of peat or sod land.
3. Then waste and peat are laid out in layers until all the raw materials are used up.The last layer should be earthen, and its thickness should be 8-10 cm.

Compost heap care consists in regular shoveling at intervals of 1-1.5 months and moisturizing as the upper layers dry. After 5-6 months, the compost can already be used as a natural fertilizer.

Bacterial supplements

This type of fertilizer is not so popular, and many growers do not even know about it. Such dressings are microorganisms that are beneficial to the soil, which increase its fertility. Unlike mineral fertilizers, such dressings are completely absorbed by the plant, and they also significantly improve the structure of the soil.

Top dressing of dahlias in the open field: frequency and composition of dressings

Taking into account the properties of various fertilizers, to exert a stimulating effect on certain vital processes of plants, a schedule is drawn up according to which dahlias are fed in the open field.

It is necessary to add additives several times per season, from spring to mid-autumn. For each period, a certain type of fertilizer is used.

Many people prefer complex mineral fertilizers with an extensive composition of trace elements. In the garden centers there is a huge assortment of such dressings, which are intended specifically for dahlias. The frequency of their use and dosage are always indicated on the package. This is what should be guided by when making such dressings.

Finished mineral fertilizers are used according to the instructions.

Fertilization errors

Such an agrotechnical technique as the introduction of fertilizing must be treated very responsibly. If you are not sure about the drug or the timing of its use, it is better to completely abandon this event. The plant will suffer less from a slight lack of nutrients than from an excess of them. This applies to both mineral and organic fertilizers.

There are some of the most common mistakes beginner flower lovers make:

• incorrect dosage of mineral fertilizers;
• application of fresh or unfermented manure;
• non-compliance with the terms of application for certain elements.

Manure should be applied very carefully.

With the use of mineral dressings, you also need to exercise measure and caution, especially in relation to nitrogen-containing formulations. There is nothing worse than feeding the dahlias with nitrogen later than the deadline, this will cause unwanted growth and lead to a lack of flowering.

Folk recipes

Many florists and horticulturists have an organic farming policy. This implies the cultivation of both vegetable and flower crops without the use of chemicals.

You can give up chemistry if you use various infusions or other herbal products as dressings. This is much better than fertilizing dahlias so that they bloom faster with chemical additives.

Nettle can be used as fertilizer

There are many recipes, here are a few of them:

• cut grass without seeds is crushed. Fill opaque black plastic bags with this substrate and leave in the sun for 4-5 days. Then the resulting mass is poured with water and left to ferment for 2-3 days. Water the plants under the bush with a solution of infusion with water, diluted in a ratio of 1: 3;
• wood ash is also used as a top dressing. To prepare an ash solution, 1 glass of ash is stirred in 10 liters of water, allowed to stand for a day and the flowers are watered at the root. You can also prepare the infusion by filling the bucket with ash ½ the volume and 2/3 with hot water. Such a drug requires exposure for 2-3 days. Apply it in the same way as the solution;
• succulent nettle shoots can also be used as a natural fertilizer. Before flowering (June-July), shoots are cut, crushed and tightly placed in a barrel. Pour in water, cover and leave to ferment for 7-8 days. When a characteristic odor appears, the preparation is ready. Use it by diluting it with water in a 1: 3 ratio. Can be watered under a bush or used on a leaf.

All these tips have been tested by experienced gardeners and will definitely not only not harm, but also bring tangible benefits. Using natural methods not only has a beneficial effect on the garden, but also on the environment.

Dahlias have been loved by flower growers for many years, and the number of such lovers is constantly increasing. One of the main conditions for the active growth and lush flowering of these crops is top dressing. Fertilization is carried out according to a specific schedule, which must be followed strictly. Only in this case it will be possible to get to enjoy their beauty from planting to flowering.