Come Along on a Visit to an Amazing Flower Farm!

by Three Dogs in a Garden

Recently I got an invitation out to visit a local flower and berry farm.

garden tour flowers farm dahlias, flowers, gardening

And so it was that I found myself standing chest deep in a big field of dahlias one

beautiful Sunday morning.

This is a busy time of year at the flower farm. Everyone in the family was busy cutting and packing flowers for a big order when I stopped in to visit.

Out in the field, the dahlias were looking spectacular.

It was flowers as far as the eye can see!

The farm also produces other flowers like these zinnias and snapdragons.

Gladiolas used to be an important flower crop, but the family tells me that they are not as popular in recent years.

Growing Lavatera as a cut flower was an experiment tried for the first time this summer.

Lavatera trimestris: Lavatera are annuals that are easy to grow from seed. You can start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or sow them directly outdoors two weeks before the last frost date.

Lavatera dislike being moved, so avoid moving young plants if possible. Grow them in moist, average soil (rich soil will lead to lush foliage and fewer flowers). In growing them myself, I discovered that full sun is best. These are tall plants that may require some staking. Height: 2-4' Spread: 2-3' USDA Zones: 2-9.

Dahlias range widely in height and foliage color, as well as bloom size, variety and shape. "Dinner plate" varieties may have blooms as large as 12" in diameter.

Dahlias tuberous-rooted perennials native to Mexico and Central America. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, but like well drained conditions (too much moisture will cause the tubers to rot). Always grow dahlias in full sun.

Tubers should be planted in the spring after all danger of frost has been passed. The proper planting depth for dahlia tubers is 10-15 cm (4-6 inches).

Taller varieties may end up needing to be staked later on. If you are not careful however, the stake can damage tubers so it is a good idea to position your stake at the time of planting.

Place your dahlia tuber horizontally in the planting hole with the eye pointing upward. Dahlias are heavy feeders so it is a good idea to mix in some organic matter and a handful of bonemeal when you plant them.

To promote a compact, bushy plant, pinch back your dahlia once it has grown about a foot high. It is also a good idea to feed them every two weeks before they begin to set bud with water soluble, bloom promoting type of fertilizer.

Enjoyed the project?

You can do it! Saved to your projects

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about this project?

Ask a Question

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 33 comments

Jan on Sep 29, 2014
beautiful photos. I loved growing dahlias, they are so pretty and now that I've seen your pictures I'm inspired to grow them again. Thanks for sharing. Oh by the way is lavatera really a zone 4? I grew it once and loved it

1 Reply
- Three Dogs in a Garden on Sep 29, 2014
  @Jan Hi Jan, I am glad you enjoyed the post. The zone notes for I found for Lavatera stated that it was suitable for zones 2-9. It is an annual and here in zone 6b (Ontario) I usually plant it after all danger of frost has passed (mid-May). It is still warm here and the white Lavatera I planted this year is still flowering at the end of September.
  
  Like
Carole Alden on Sep 30, 2014
I've never grew them, thank you for the wonderful pictures, I think I will tray.

Like Reply