Why dahlias may not bloom and what are the reasons, what to do and the rules for caring for bushes
Dahlia is a favorite flower of many gardeners. The plant belongs to perennial herbaceous. Overwintering in the open field negatively affects the plant. Distinguish between undersized (height 20 cm) and tall (2.5 meters) plants. Differs in beautiful lush flowers with pale green leaves. The plant begins to bloom in August and ends in late autumn. But it happens that there are no flowers for a long time or do not exist at all. Why dahlias do not bloom and what to do in this case, interests many gardeners. There may be several reasons.
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Possible reasons for not blooming dahlias
Perennial plants with unusually beautiful buds adorn the garden from late July to late autumn. Sometimes flowering can shift by two weeks in terms of time. The absence of opened buds in mid-August indicates the presence of certain problems with the flower. Or vice versa, there are buds, but they bloom poorly. It also signals certain flaws in the care process.
Poor illumination
Wild counterparts of the cultivated plant prefer to grow in places well-lit by the sun. Dahlias require a lot of sunlight to grow and bloom. Lack of lighting is accompanied by a decrease in flowers, a decrease in color saturation or a complete absence of colors.
Therefore, before planting, it is recommended to carefully select a place for a dahlia.
If there are no flowers, then nothing can be changed this season. No additional measures taken will help. It is worth replanting the plant in the fall or early spring to a more suitable place for it.
Lack of moisture
Together with good lighting, abundant and regular watering is required. The soil must be constantly moist. It is especially recommended to monitor the moisture content the first week after planting in open ground. Pour at least 6 liters of water onto one bush. Soil impregnation is required to a depth of 40 cm.
Therefore, the lack of flowers can be caused by a lack of water. Lack of moisture can also provoke poor flowering with a subtle color of the petals. To prevent this, you need to water the plant in the morning and in the evening, then there will be no problems with the bush.
Dry weather
Summer with abnormally high temperatures and lack of rain negatively affects dahlias. The plant stops growing and begins to dry out.The plant simply does not have enough natural strength and nutrients for the formation of a bud and subsequent flowering.
In this case, it is recommended to foresee this development of events and prevent it. You can mulch the soil with freshly cut grass and water the bushes regularly. This will save the flower from overheating and lack of moisture.
Excess nitrogen fertilizers
Overuse of high nitrogen fertilizers throughout the growth period is not recommended. This leads to the active formation of green mass, and the maturation of flower buds is inhibited. Nitrogen feeding is needed only at the initial stage of the growing season. To do this, you can use bird droppings diluted with water 1:20, infusion of mullein (1:10) or superphosphate with ammonium nitrate (for 10 liters of water, 20 g of substance). Feed no more than 2-3 weeks. For the entire period, it will turn out up to 4 times.
At the time of flowering, nitrogen is not needed. Phosphorus and potassium are suitable here - superphosphate with potassium nitrate, wood ash or potassium monophosphate. All fertilizers must be diluted with water. You cannot pour it onto the bush - make special grooves nearby.
Lack of bush formation
A systematic formation is recommended for dahlia, which consists in plucking excess shoots. This will help the plant distribute the nutrients evenly throughout the stem. In the absence of pinching, water with useful trace elements is redirected to strong and large shoots.
Ignoring this procedure is accompanied by a complete absence of flowers.
The pinching process is not required for miniature and undersized bushes. Here, the formation of a bush occurs naturally.
Late boarding
Planting unprepared shoots and at a fairly late date leads to defective flowering. This will be expressed in the scarcity of flowers and a pale color. A full bud requires a lot of strength and nutrients. An unprepared plant is unable to provide these conditions.
To prevent this, it is recommended to pre-prepare the dahlia. Can be taken to a greenhouse or greenhouse before planting in open ground and placed in a well-lit place. In this case, the plant is gradually accustomed to fresh air.
Incorrect division of tubers
If in the fall the tubers were not divided into separate ones, then the next summer the plant will not be able to please with abundant flowering. Such bushes are distinguished by the presence of green mass, but with the absence of buds. This mistake is made by novice gardeners. It is recommended to separate the tubers carefully. One tuber, planted in the ground, produces a lush bush with an abundance of flowers.
They need to be divided in the fall immediately after digging, when they have not yet become callous. When dividing, it is required to leave the bud on the tuber. If you look at this moment, then there will be no sprout.
What to do to make dahlias bloom as quickly as possible?
Many gardeners strive to ensure that the process of admiring beautiful flowers begins as early as possible. This does not require special knowledge or special techniques. In order for the bush to bloom ahead of time and differ in saturation, it is recommended to perform a number of simple manipulations:
- before planting in open ground, the tubers need to be slightly grown and prepared;
- soil mixed with peat or sawdust retains moisture longer, which will have a beneficial effect on soil moisture;
- a correctly selected place with an abundance of sunlight will stimulate the bush to early ripening of buds;
- also the regular formation of the bush is accompanied by an even distribution of nutrients and water;
- some gardeners use additional stimulants.
If you follow these simple rules, the dahlia will definitely please with early flowering and an abundance of beautiful and large buds.
How to prolong dahlia bloom?
Dahlias are distinguished by special flowers that you want to admire until the last day of autumn. To prolong the flowering period, do not leave drooping heads on the stem. You need to pluck them, then the bush will have an incentive to form new buds. During the frost period, you can cover the dahlia with cellophane. The protection can be removed or left in the daytime (depending on the temperature).
Properly formed soil before planting will allow the plant to receive nutrients throughout the entire growth period. An even distribution of green mass and buds will extend the enjoyment of beautiful flowers.
