Gladioli and Dahlias

Gladioli site requirements

A sheltered sunny position, north facing is ideal
In warm areas plant May-September
In cold areas plant August – December.

Soil
Must be well drained and dug over deeply. Add Compost and Tui Bulb Food (see packet for rates)
Can also be grown in pots and containers, use Daltons Bulb Mix and plant approx. 6 corms to a 20cm pot.
Apply ican Fast Food weekly during period when flower stalks are forming, as new corms are developing at the same time.

Water
Keep well -watered through growing period, especially in drier periods

Planting

With basal plate downwards, Plant in groups, rather than rows 10cm deep and 15-20cm apart

Staking is necessary to protect from wind damage

Position stake at time of planting to avoid damage to bulbs

Pests & Diseases

Thrips- Small rasping insect which causes silvering of leaves and dark specks on underside of leaves. Control with Mavrik or Naturally Neem

Rust-Yellow-orange mottled areas on upper surface of some leaves and some yellow-orange pustules on undersides. Spray with Yates Fungus fighter.

Virus- Flowers develop streaks and broken colour
Symptoms do not show up until flowering. Destroy infected plants

Dahlia site requirements

Fertile, free draining soil

Add Compost and Tui General Garden Fertiliser as per packet instructions.

Full sun to light shade

Keep well-watered during hotter months -do not let dry out

Plant with base of tuber at a depth of 15-20cm

Taller growing varieties will need staking - do this at planting time to avoid damaging tuber

General

From small 30cm high border dahlias to massive 2m high cactus dahlias - there is a variety for every sunny garden situation, including pots. Dahlias come in all shapes and sizes with many new hybrids having the bonus of deep purple foliage which contrasts beautifully with their bright blooms.

Dahlias make incredible cut flowers.