DAHLIA CARE & PLANTING ADVICE

Dahlias are easy to grow and provide so much delight if you follow a few simple steps. The most important step is to plant tubers in a sunny spot where they will thrive when kept well-watered and fed occasionally.

GROUND PLANTING

Dahlias perform best in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prepare a hole deep enough & wide enough (10-15cm) to accommodate your tubers, like an outstretched hand. In the base of the planting hole add composted manure or a rich compost and some grit if your soil is heavy.

OVERWINTERING DAHLIAS

Cut plants to the ground after the first frosts have blackened the foliage. In colder areas or on heavy soils, lift and store the tubers and replant the following spring. In mild regions and on well drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and cover…

POT & CONTAINER PLANTING

Choose a pot with minimum depth of 30cm. The best varieties of dahlias to choose from are the compact, bushy types such as Impression Fantastico, ‘Mexican Star’, ‘Waltzing Matilda’, ‘Bright Eyes’, ‘Menorca’, Witem, ‘Vancouver’, ‘Larry’s Love’.

PROPAGATION

Divide the tubers when shoots are 2-3cm tall by separating them into portions ensuring each section has both roots and shoots. Pot each section into a separate container and grow on.

CUT FLOWER CARE

There are a number of ways to cut dahlias for the desired height of arrangement and stem, but for the most part you need to cut at a point that feels uncomfortable! The best time to cut is first thing in the morning when the stems have maximum hydration and carbohydrates.

TOPPING, PRUNING & TRAINING

At a time when It is so exciting to see growth and all your hard work coming to fruition, it feels like a hard set back to pinch the tips. Just like sweet peas and many more plants, dahlia thrive on been pinched in their early growth stage.