08/11/09

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The popular tuber shaped dahlia plants originate from Mexico. Around 1600 the first seeds came to Europe. Rather soon the cross-fertilizing of the dahlias started, for which several species where used – which species we can no longer verify. Probable used species, like ‘dahlia Conccinea’ and ‘dahlia Pinnata’, are now not bred as ornamental plants anymore. Other original species may not exist either. The garden species we specify as dahlia hybrids.

The parade groups from Lichtenvoorde all keep their own dahlia fields. This has two purposes. In the first place of course the use of the flowers for the own parade. Besides that, they also deliver to other parades in the Netherlands and Germany. The aim is that, during their own parade, the groups provide one-third of the float with flowers from their own field. By selling many flowers, and trying to repurchase as few flowers as possible, for many parade groups a credit balance arises and part of the costs can be recovered. On the fields in Lichtenvoorde stand at a rough estimate 200.000 dahlia bulbs, all maintained by volunteers. For the flower parade in Lichtenvoorde, almost 3.500.000 flowers are used. The biggest floats use about 250.000 flowers each.

• In January the dahlia bulbs are being checked and the bad bulbs are removed.
• Early April the land is being prepared for the planting of the bulbs.
• In the course of April the bulbs are being prepared, often they can be divided.
• At the end of April, beginning of May, the bulbs are planted.
• Already quite fast after that, the maintenance starts by means of weeding and binding up the shrubs.
• As from August the dahlias are delivered to other parades. For this massive amounts need to be picked.
• For their own parade, the whole field is being picked empty.
• Before the night frost sets in, or even better, right after the first light night frost, the bulbs are being grubbed up.
• Subsequently the bulbs are being cleaned, placed into storage and, during the winter, watched for the right temperature and moisture.

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