Are you a senior searching for a new hobby? Have you contemplated growing dahlias? Gardening is an excellent method for obtaining physical exercise while also providing significant mental health advantages. What’s more, there are numerous benefits to cultivating dahlias as a hobby for seniors. You will learn why growing dahlia tubers is an outstanding option for seniors, from physical exercise to mental health benefits, right here in this post.
Benefits of Growing Dahlias for Seniors
Seniors can benefit greatly from growing dahlias, an easy-to-care-for flower that blooms throughout the summer and fall months. Dahlia tubers for sale come in many different sizes, shapes, and bright colors that can be used to make beautiful garden displays with little work. Seniors can enjoy the beauty of their gardens without having to worry about taking care of them every day.
Growing dahlias provides seniors with an opportunity to engage in physical activity. At the same time, they cultivate their gardens at home or around their community.
Planting dahlia bulbs requires minimal maintenance yet yields great rewards such as pollinator attraction, reduction of soil compaction, weed control, and an increase in organic matter content due to dying foliage breakdown at the end of the season. Additionally, a single adult-sized bulb produces many stems, resulting in countless blooms within its lifespan, providing additional sources of pleasure through continuous bloom periods without having to keep up with frequent planting cycles like other flowers may require when grown outdoors during temperate climate seasons.
Along with the regular pruning techniques required periodically while growing these plants, they may assist seniors with dexterity coordination exercises necessary for maintaining good health due to cognitive decline associated with aging.
Unlike some annual flowers like begonias or pansies, this flower doesn’t need extra watering every day. This makes it a good choice for senior gardeners who live alone or who can’t get outside often enough to do extra care.
In the same way, this species is grown without using harmful pesticides. This makes them safe for older people who are already taking medicine for breathing problems caused by age-related illnesses.
Tips to Start Growing Your Own Dahlias
Dahlias are relatively low-maintenance, making them an ideal hobby for seniors who want something easy yet rewarding. Dahlia seeds should be planted two months before the final frost date, which usually falls somewhere between late winter and early spring, depending on location. Planting seeds indoors? Use a 1-gallon pot filled with soil mixed with sand or vermiculite. Just make sure it’s kept in an area with plenty of sunlight until germination occurs.
Once the seeds have sprouted, water regularly but not too often. You should do it about twice per week so that the soil does not become soggy. When harvesting new seedlings from existing plants, do not damage their delicate stems. If you are lucky enough, they may bloom again next year.
Last but not least, don’t forget that dahlias come in many vibrant colors, such as reds, yellows, oranges, pinks, purples, whites, or even multicolor combinations. So there’s surely something perfect for everyone’s taste. Choosing dahlia gardening as your hobby is economical and enjoyable, so why wait any longer? Get out there today and start planting those gorgeous blooms.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Dahlias
When it comes to caring for and maintaining your dahlia plants, regular watering is key. Water them deeply every week or two during their growing season, so they get off to a strong start. Also, fertilizing every few weeks will help keep them healthy throughout their blooming period. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at half strength once per month during the height of summer.
Similarly, monitor your plants closely for any pests or diseases. If necessary, take action immediately with simple pest control solutions available in most gardening stores.
Talking about harvesting, storage, and preservation of dahlia blooms, pick only fully opened flowers when harvesting by cutting them from the stem at an angle with sharp scissors or pruners, leaving some stem attached if desired, and then store them in damp paper towels inside a plastic bag until needed (do not refrigerate). You can also preserve cut flowers by drying them upside down in bunches away from direct sunlight.
To Sum Things Up
Gardening is a great pastime for seniors, and cultivating dahlias is no exception. Growing dahlias offers numerous advantages for senior citizens, from providing physical exercise to improving mental health. With minimal maintenance and long-term cost savings, dahlias are the perfect choice for seniors looking to stay active and save money.
