Dahlias represent the character of a lushly blooming summer perennial. In order for them to develop their flowers in their full splendor, special pruning measures are necessary. Annual pinching plays an important role here, which positively supports plant growth.
How do I tweeze dahlias correctly?
Dahlias are pinched in early summer (May to June) by shortening the soft shoots to around 20 cm high and 5-10 cm above a leaf axis. This promotes branching, flower formation and ensures more compact growth. Repeat tweezing in summer as needed.
How to design dahlias
Prinding involves shortening shoots of perennials and flowers when they are still soft. The ideal time is early summer. The plants branch out at the interface and grow bushier. At the same time, this measure promotes flower formation. However, the flowering period is pushed back a bit. If you only cut part of the stems, the flowers will open with a delay and you will enjoy a longer bloom.
Advantages
Dahlia varieties are well suited for tweezing. It doesn't matter whether it is an annual or perennial variety. If you don't shorten the ornamental perennial, it will develop a long shoot with one flower. If you cut off the main shoot, georgines form many flowering side shoots. They grow more compactly and are less likely to fall apart because the stems support each other.
Time
The earlier you start the measure, the stockier the plant will grow. Pinching takes place from May to June and can then be carried out several times throughout the summer. However, you should not cut the dahlias during dry periods, because then the flowering plants rely on every water reserve.
The cutting technique
Pinch the plants when the flower shoots have grown to about 20 centimeters high. The interface should be about five to ten centimeters above the ground and directly above a leaf axis, as this is the only way the shoot can sprout again. To extend the flowering period, you should not cut off all the stems. The flowers will be even larger if you leave a few flower shoots standing. Experiment with the specimens and see how they develop.
Pruning Tips:
- clip off soft shoots with your fingernail
- cut through harder tissue with scissors
- Clean out wilted flowers regularly
Special Feature: Chelsea Chop
This cutting technique, which comes from England, is a variant of tweezing that pursues the same goals. It was named after the Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place every May. During this time, flowers and perennials are pruned again, even if they have set numerous buds. With this method, the focus is on a harmonious overall picture in the perennial bed with all plants.
How it works
Cut the outer shoots on the perennial back to a third of their height. In this way, the plant blooms first in the middle, while the newly formed flower buds at the edge open later. The side shoots grow stronger and protect the longer stems from twisting. This technology also allows freedom of design. This means you can only shorten the front parts of the plant to cover up bare spots at the back.
