Dahlias in JULY

July turned out to be the wettest since 1938 with seven inches (18cm) of rain falling during the month.  The photos are deceptive, they were taken during the gaps in the prolonged showers.

6th...dahlias are thriving under the wet conditions so much so that lots of buds are appearing which are too early1 and 2 for the show season.  I don't normally allow any buds to develop on the dahlias before the 19th July. Any that do are removed by pinching them out.  The Cupid family and Peach Cupid.  Just take a look at this plant of Paul Chester, the cuttings were taken on the 4th April.  This dahlia will have to be cut down to ground level, it is too early. Here is another Dahlia to prove the point.


What's this strange looking dahlia?   
No prizes for guessing

 

 

Quick tour:-
four weeks growth in the tunnel 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

My first attempt at raising a dahlia seedling is looking successful What on earth are these dahlias? 1, 2.

13th July incessant rain fortunately the dahlias can look after themselves for a while after planting and just as well.  The tunnel is growing well with the Cupids racing away as if their life depended on it.  I planted some dahlia pot tubers in a border and Ruskin Charlotte along with Jean McMillan are showing colour.

16th and look at Ruskin Charlotte in just three days, while Eileen Denny looks ready for showing and Pink Suffusion looks promising.
20th and the miniature flowered dahlias are looking like a sea of green.
Rosendale Luke looks strange compared with Wootton / Candy Cupid.
22nd Paul Chester growing well, but then it always does.  The yellow foliage is a characteristic of this dahlia and nothing to worry about.  This image also shows quite clearly the method of tying in the plants. Pink Suffusion is ready for show.  Growth in the tunnel is progressing well image 1 and 2
Plot the progress of Ruskin Charlotte from photos 1, 2  and  3.

 23rd and time to think about debranching the dahlias to the required number of shoots to grow on for show blooms.  Each variety requires individual treatment and it is therefore best to keep notes of the number of shoots that are allowed to flower. Here is a nice bushy plant and one before debranching and after it looks as if it had been attacked by a vandal. Surplus shoots and the next dahlia plant ready for treatment.

27th Dull day for photography here is the tunnel and a bed of miniature dahlias
28th and Karenglen which is usually late to flower has decided to show its face to the awaiting world. Nice bloom of Jamie  and  Norbreck Dusky.

Dahlias in August