Dahlia Farming Made Simple: Step-by-Step Cultivation Tips
Not only do flowers enhance the beauty of our surroundings, but they also generate good returns for farmers. Among the most beautiful flowers is the Dahlia, which individuals prefer due to its bright colours and big flowers. If you are a farmer or a gardener, dahlia farming may be a great chance. Through this guide, you will have simple steps to follow for dahlia cultivation.
Whether you own a small garden or a piece of land, dahlia cultivation can be both fun and profitable. Increasing numbers of farmers in Farmtrac India have also started cultivating dahlias to augment their income from flower farming. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step guide on how to initiate dahlia cultivation.
10 Easy Steps That Every Farmer Should Be Aware Of
In this Section we are going to discuss about the key points that need to be considered. Here are:
1. Get familiar with the Dahlia plant
Dahlia is a flowering crop belonging to the family Asteraceae. It shows great growth in cold climates and flowers in several colors, i.e., red, pink, yellow, white, and purple. Dahlia flowers are large and bulky, making them ideal for decorative purposes and flower production.
2. Best Time to Plant Dahlias
The best time to plant dahlias is in early spring once the last frost has occurred. For most Indian regions, the time is generally between February and March. Dahlias will not grow well in cold or extremely hot conditions. So, wait patiently for the weather to become a bit warmer and more consistent.
3. Choose the Right Spot
Dahlias require ample sunlight to function optimally. Choose a part of your farm or garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Also, choose an area that is open ground and not under the cover of a tree or a building.
4. Soil Preparation
Dahlias like loose, well-drained, and fertile soil. Plough the soil thoroughly before sowing. Mix compost or organic manure in the soil to make it fertile. The soil ph should be 6.5 to 7.0, i.e., slightly acidic to neutral.
To improve drainage in the soil, sand or coco peat can also be mixed. This will prevent root rot caused by waterlogging.
5. Planting Dahlia Tubers
Dahlias are planted as tubers. These tubers look like tiny potatoes. Plant them by creating holes 4 to 6 inches deep and placing one tuber with the stem facing up in each. Plant them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for natural growth.
Buried under soil and gently packed after planting. Lightly water them.
6. Watering
Dahlias require frequent watering, especially during dry periods. Don’t, however, overwater, as this will lead to rotting of the tubers. Water them 2 to 3 times a week or when the topsoil has dried. Ensure the water seeps into the root zone, but not the plant itself.
7. Fertilising Dahlias
In order to facilitate the growth and flowering of your dahlia plants, nourish them a balanced fertiliser once in 3-4 weeks. Either apply NPK 10:10:10 or any available organic fertiliser at your locality. Don’t fertilise the plant with high amounts of nitrogen since it produces excess leaves without many flowers.
8. Support for Plants
As dahlias grow, they are heavy with flowers. To avoid them from falling over, prop them up with sticks or plant stakes. Tie the plant gently with a soft thread or rope to prevent injury.
9. Pest and Disease Control
Just like all flowers, dahlias are susceptible to pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Thoroughly inspect the plants and apply neem oil or organic pesticides as needed. Keep the area clean as well, and remove dead leaves periodically.
Some of the diseases include root rot and powdery mildew. Proper watering, proper spacing, and routine check-ups will keep your plants healthy.
10. Harvesting and Selling
Dahlia flowers are ready to be harvested 3 to 4 months after sowing seeds. Pick the flowers in the early morning or evening hours when they are at their freshest. Clean scissors or harvesters must be used for harvesting.
Once picked, flowers can be sold in local markets, to florists, or for weddings. Dahlias are in tremendous demand during the wedding and festival seasons.
Conclusion
Growing dahlias is not hard if you plant them with due planning and care. Some farmers who use Farmtrac India tractors have reported increased efficiency and ease while working with flower farms. An affordable and high-performance tractor such as the Solis 6024 S 4WD is perfect for small and medium-sized farms. If you want to know the Solis 6024 S 4WD price, you can view it online or visit your local dealership to check offers.
So why not? Start your dahlia farming today and increase color and income for your farm!
