One of the most decorative flowering plants during winter months, Dahlia can be planted now up to the second week of November. Rooted cuttings of varieties are available in almost all the nurseries and garden centres.
A mixture of soil, compost manure, leaf mould, neem cake powder, bonemeal, superphosphate, etc. should be made. After mixing, sprinkle with water and keep it moist. A pot of 25 cm size is the ideal choice for planting of a cutting in the centre. Press the soil properly after planting, which should preferably be done in the evening. Dahlia needs more water as it grows and for the same reason it needs more light. Staking the plant as it grows is necessary and so is disbudding at the right time. Feeding with liquid manure and three to four feedings at an interval of 10-20 days or so after the plant has grown helps it bloom after about 90 days of planting. Blue Bird, Chitchor, Glory of India, Eternity, Kenya, Kenya Yellow, White, Prime Minister, Tenzing Norgay, Vinayananda are some of the dahlia varieties that you can choose from. Zail Singh, a variety introduced in the name of the former President of India, has gained popularity the world over.
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