Dahlia 'Explosion'

Also known as: Information to be completed

A tall, tuberous-rooted perennial to about 1m, with dark green foliage. Large, semi-cactus flowers, up to 20cm across, produced from mid-summer until the first frosts, are streaked and splashed red and yellow, with long, pointed petals, rolled under at the edges, giving a spiky effect

Scientific classification

Species: Dahlia 'Explosion' (Dahlia 'Explosion')
Genus: Dahlia
Family: Asteraceae

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Toxicity: Bedding · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Dahlia 'Explosion' pictures

Distribution of Dahlia 'Explosion'

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of Dahlia 'Explosion'

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Dahlia 'Explosion' care guide

Water deeply and regularly once active growth starts
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water deeply and regularly once active growth starts

Fertilizing

Rich balanced feed from growth until late flowering

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further flowering. Cut back to near ground level in autumn, before lifting and storing for the winter

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in spring from shoots from stored tubers, or divide the tubers ensuring each division has a viable bud

Growing

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushy plants and stake taller dahlias, see staking: perennials. Water freely in dry periods. Lift and store tubers in autumn to replant or use as a source of cuttings in spring. See dahlia cultivation

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry conditions. In wet weather grey moulds and other fungal rots can be a problem. Fungal rots can also damage stored tubers. A virus may cause stunting, leaf markings and distortion

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, glasshouse red spider mite and slugs. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and caterpillars are occasional pests

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