I've been growing dahlias this year at the request of someone.
In reality, they had been asked to export dahlia bulbs,
The export process is complicated and inspection takes time.
This year I decided to grow it at home and try to collect seeds and divide the bulbs.
My own gardening experience is limited to potted cacti and succulents.
Although my parents harvested raspberries and other fruits, I was never directly involved in the harvest.
First, you need to get the bulbs of the requested variety.
This variety is currently only available from one location in Japan.
Dahlias are often bred,
The breed itself does not have a very long lifespan due to disease and other factors.
This year's sales there
Once I get the last two bulbs, I'll get the other things I need and plant them.
A combination of red soil and leaf mold in a flowerpot of size 10 or larger.
At the same time, fertilizers and pesticides are also added.
Later than the original planting season
It's the end of May, so the buds have already grown.
I really should have cut it down before planting it.
This is what it looks like when planted.
9 days after planting.
The buds that had grown were clearly diseased so they were cut off.
Six days later.
Sprouted again. (First bud and fourth bud)
Growth appears to be good for a while.
It is a sun-loving plant
During the rainy season, keep it in the sun as much as possible.
The damage caused by leafminers, cutworms, slugs, and grasshoppers,
Hagoromo and other creatures began to appear in large numbers.
The wasps that I used to hate have turned into beneficial insects that get rid of bugs lol
Ten days later.
There is a big difference in the growth speed depending on the bulb.
Thin out some of the leaves of the larger bulbs around here.
Needs to be well ventilated.
Did the pesticides wear off after that?
Insect damage to the leaves has increased.
I'm not really sure how to prune or how high the seedlings should grow.
I also visit the dahlia garden to study.
This is the variety I grow at home!
Is it possible to find such a flower?
Can we make it bloom indefinitely?
Here's what I learned:
If the tree is strong
Some damage from insects and diseases
There was no problem.
53 days after planting,
Finally buds appear.
Generally, dahlias prefer dry conditions.
Be careful not to overdo the fertilizer though.
The current summer environment in Japan is becoming even harsher,
Once the buds appeared, I was especially careful to not let the plants run out of water or fertilizer.
Its growth is slow
It takes about 10 days for the first flowers to appear.
Dahlia flowers are a collection of many flowers.
The flowers bloom first on the side closest to the stem.
By this time, buds have begun to appear on the other stems.
The Japanese summer is a big enemy for the highland plant, the dahlia.
I thought it would stop growing soon,
The result of paying attention to watering and where to place flower pots
We were successful in getting it to bloom even in August.
The flowers last for about 10 days.
High temperatures will cause the flowers to fade quickly.
When a flower's lifespan is nearing its end
Other flowers start to bloom.
All of the buds that germinated successfully bloomed.
The flowering pattern was the weakest.
Bulbs with only one sprout are best.
The white patterns seen on the leaves
This is caused by damage caused by leafminers.
Dahlias are susceptible to pests and diseases.
If it is not pruned regularly it will not grow properly.
After this, remove the flowers that have finished blooming and cut the stems significantly.
The natural course of action would be to prepare for autumn, but
I currently have a broken leg so I can't do as I would like.
However, growing plants from seeds or bulbs
Rather than buying cut or potted flowers
It gives us a lot of joy in the fun of growing things.
It feels more like a plant.
It's similar to having a pet.
Although it doesn't directly relate to surfing,
Reconsidering the existence of gardening
Why not add it as a new hobby?