Dahlia Projects at the Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center
June 6, 2025 Update
S u e I s l e y
A Dahlia Bride to Be, located in the eastern raised dahlia bed has bloomed.
Two days following significant rainfall in Albuquerque (due to the onset of the Monsoon Season), a visit to the Agri-Nature Center to check the progress of our dahlias seemed in order. As previously noted, the planting of dahlias at the Agri-Nature Center took place in three phases: April 9th, May 9th, and June 14th. Progress on all three areas was observed and photographed.
Dahlia Bed By The Fence
Planted April 9, 2025
- Single Row of Dahlia Ketchup & Mustard
These Dahlias are planted on the east side of the fence that divides the master gardeners’ plots and the guest parking lot. They are doing well but do not have blooms yet like those in the raised beds.
Raised Dahlia Beds
Planted April 9, 2025
- East planter north row Dahlia Bride-To-Be
- East planter south row Dahlia Ivanetti
- West planter north row Dahlia Little Blessing
- West planter south row Dahlia Cafe Au Lait
The dahlias that were planted in raised beds on April 9th have grown the most, with many of them now exhibiting buds, and several even in bloom. Little Blessing is pictured here; Bride-to-Be was also blooming (see picture above), and Ivanetti was budding.
Community Garden
Planted May 9, 2025
- Two rows of various dahlias
The two rows that were planted on May 9th also seem to be thriving, though their growth was significantly less than those planted a month earlier. Several factors may play a role in differential growth rates. First, those dahlias that were planted earlier and in raised beds have partial shade during some periods of the day, while those planted a month later must endure full sun exposure all day long. In addition, these dahlias must compete with the weeds that are growing rampantly in the open rows.
Lavender Field
Planted June 14, 2025
- One row of various dahlias
The lavender field dahlias were planted at the end of the planting season. They endure the full sun virtually all day long and compete with the weeds for resources. It is reassuring to see several of the tubers in this row have sprouted, though they are all still quite small. Time will tell how well they will do.
Photo Credits: Sue Isley