Dahlia’s showy flowers are eyecatchers of a summer garden with their vivid flowers and layered petals creating a hypnotising aura around them. Whether you are a greenhorn or a veteran these tips to grow vibrant Dahlias will help you in creating a wonderland full of Dahlia blooms.
10 Tips To Grow Vibrant Dahlias
1. Choose A Sunny Spot
Dahlias demand full sun to thrive – so they need to be placed or planted at a spot where they can get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for strong blooming and healthy plant growth.
2. Start with Healthy Tubers
You can easily grow them with tubers so look for damage & decay-free firm, smooth and dry tubers. You can also kickstart the plant growth 3-4 weeks after the last frost in a pot or container.
3. Plant Tubers At The Right Depth
For increasing the success rate planting the tubers at the right depth is a very important step. Planting 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil will be appreciated.
Put the tuber sideways in the soil and keep the eye facing up.
Tip – Don’t water until you start seeing sprouts coming out.
4. Water Wisely
Once the sprouts are visible it’s time to water them 2-3 times in a week. It will be sufficient don’t make the soil soggy – Dahlias hate wet feet!
5. Feed For Blooms
Use 5:10:10 low nitrogen fertilizer in their growing season monthly. Ignoring the special demand for fertilizer and feeding nitrogen-rich fertilizer will lead to fewer flowers and more leaves in the plant.
6.Pinch For Bushier Growth
When the plant reaches a height of 12-16 inches pinch off the top portion it will promote side branching which means more flowers on the plant.
7. Stake Early
In their prime Dahlias flowers become so big that the plant can’t bear the weight of the flower and start leaning and at worst your plant can break so you have to provide them some kind of support.
8. Watch For Pests
Look at Aphids, slugs, and earwigs as the final bosses that Dahlias have to fight. Use neem oil or insecticidal soaps to tackle these pests.
9. Deadhead Regularly
Spent flowers are like dead weights for the plant; they don’t provide any benefit to the plant, decreasing the aesthetic of the plant. Use a sharp pruning tool and cut them off above a leaf joint.
10. Lift And Store In Cold Climates
Dahlias can’t survive the cold weather so just after the first frost dig up the tubers carefully dry them up and store them in a cool and dark place so that you can use them for growing these showy beauties in the next session.
Conclusion
Dahlias bring bold color and drama to any garden with just a little care. 🌸 From planting healthy tubers to regular deadheading, these tips will keep your blooms vibrant all season. Ready to grow your own showstoppers? 🌿 Start today and
share your garden glow-up with #DreamyDahlias! 💐
Can I divide dahlia tubers, and how?
Yes, divide tubers in spring ensuring each division has at least one eye; allow cuts to dry before planting.
Can I grow dahlias in pots?
Absolutely! Use large pots (12–14 inches deep) with well-draining soil, stake early, and ensure they receive full sun.