How Geotropism Can Build Drought-Resistance In Dahlias

Ask any grower to plant a pot plant, and they will position it vertically in the soil. This is traditional, the way it's aways been done. But this technique is not too good if we want to build drought-resistance, especially in a shallow soil. So we are going to do something different, using a little geotropic wizardry. This offset young dahlia is perfect for our needs.

WHAT IS GEOTROPISM?
Geotropism is a plant's response to gravity. It's why roots grow downwards (positive geotropism) and shoots grow upwards (negative geotropism). What this means in practice is that it doesn't really matter which way around we put our plant in the soil, it will eventually correct itself. Of course, this takes time, especially if the plant is inverted, but nevertheless it will be done.

Because this plant is short-jointed (compact), it will fit on its side in the planting hole, so that the plant is as deep as possible. And it doesn't even matter if the roots are above the stem. What does matter is that each node on the stem can produce new roots and shoots much lower down in the soil than would otherwise be possible.

This should work fine. But you will need to take care you don't snap the shoot off when filling the hole. Put some soil beneath it to give support, then water it in around the shoot.

See also:
Producing Drought-Resistant Dahlias In Shallow Soil
Dahlias Started In Trays Are Short-Jointed