As an avid gardener, there’s nothing l enjoy more than planting new varieties of beautiful flowers to create a lush English cottage garden. From bold drifts of yellow jonquils and vibrant purple iris and in the spring, to delicate (if finicky) pastel pink fairy roses in the summer, I love the slightly chaotic jumble of color and texture. And, since cut flowers can be so pricey these days, bringing some of my favorite garden beauties indoors is a major bonus. However, not all blooms do well in bouquets. One of the best flowers I’ve found that simply never quit? Gorgeous, showy dahlias!
Dahlias produce a profusion of blooms and cutting them actually encourages more flowering. And, while vase life varies depending on the type, many varieties (especially ball and pompom dahlias) can last for quite a few days in a vase.
Dahlias come in a wide array of colors and sizes, which provides so many options for floral arrangements. For example, a dinnerplate dahlia is a stunning addition to the garden (I love the Thomas Edison Dinnerplate Dahlia in vibrant purple) but is also magnificent in an oversized container. A pompom dahlia has a unique look (like the pink Jan van Schaffelaar Pom Pom Dahlia) and can be used alone or with a variety of contrasting colored flowers in a cheery bouquet. Or, go for a demure Wittem Decorative Dahlia in snowy white for charming, small arrangements. (For more suggestions of lovely dahlia varieties, visit BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for their Top 7 Picks.)
Dahlias bloom from mid-summer until the first frost, providing a wonderfully long season of cut flowers. And because they are relatively easy to grow, they’re a great choice for experienced and novice gardeners.
Ready to get started with a cutting garden of your own? Here’s what you need to know to grown the best dahlias.
When to Plant Dahlia Tubers
Dahlias should be planted outdoors in early spring, but only after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has had a chance to warm up. Timing is crucial—planting too early in cold soil can prevent the tubers from establishing properly. Wait until the final frost is behind you and soil temperatures reach at least 60°F.
What’s the Best Soil?
Dahlias flourish in well-draining, nutrient-rich loamy soil that contains plenty of organic matter. If you’re unsure whether your soil is rich enough, blend in compost before planting. If your soil leans toward heavy clay (like mine does – my property is adjacent to the Red Clay Creek!), try mixing in sand, peat moss, or aged manure to help improve drainage and texture.
Dahlias also prefer a neutral pH—around 6.5. Not sure about your soil’s pH level? A soil meter can help you determine it easily. (You can purchase a soil pH meter for approximately $30 on Amazon.)
And, because dahlias are “heavy feeders,” they benefit from regular fertilization. To boost bloom size and quantity, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus. Always follow the package directions, and avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen, which actually encourages leafy growth but few flowers.
Dahlias Need Lots of Sun
Choose a sunny location where dahlias can soak up some rays. They’ll need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. In warmer climates, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and above, it’s helpful to give them a break from intense afternoon sun by offering a bit of partial shade. (Click here to find your USDA Hardiness Zone.)
Give Them Some Elbow Room
When planting, place dahlia tubers at a depth of 2 to 6 inches, depending on the size of the variety. Smaller dahlias need about 12 inches of space between them, while larger types should be spaced up to 3 feet apart. Providing enough room helps with air circulation and gives each plant the space it needs to grow.
Watering How-Tos
After planting the tubers, resist the urge to water them right away! Wait until you see green shoots emerging from the soil, because watering too early will cause rot before the roots have developed.
Once the plants begin to grow, water at least once a week. During dry periods, or in very hot climates, increase watering to two or more times weekly to keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy).
Pinching, Cutting, and Deadheading
When the plants have grown a few sets of shoots, pinch off the top portion of the stem just above the highest leaf pair. This encourages the plant to send out more shoots and produce more flowers.
If you’re not cutting blooms for a vase, make sure to deadhead spent flowers regularly. Removing faded blooms not only keeps the plant looking tidy, it also encourages it to continue producing new flowers.
After the Blooming Season
If you plan to save your dahlia tubers over the winter, you’ll need to dig them up and store them indoors. Make sure your storage area is slightly humid to prevent the tubers from drying out and shriveling. (A basement or garage with stable humidity is usually ideal.)
One of the best things about dahlias is that they can be divided. So, you’ll have even more blooms next year. According to the experts at Gardening Know-How, if you overwinter your tubers indoors, “During spring, before you plant the overwintered root mass, divide dahlia tubers. If you divide when you pull the roots for overwintering, you may find they are not viable in spring, so wait a bit before splitting dahlia tubers. This is because each tuber must have an eye or growth bud that is viable. You really can’t tell until spring which eyes are growing and which are not healthy.”
A Few Important Notes About Critters
Deer typically avoid dahlias, though this varies depending on your local deer population and how much food is available (in drought years, I’ve found those darned deer will eat just about anything including prickly holly bushes.). And, even areas with less competition for plants, deer may still give them a try. Unfortunately, there’s really no such thing as a “deer proof” plant.
Also, a word of caution for pet owners—dahlias can be toxic to cats and dogs. So, keep them out of reach for your furry friends and plant them in areas that pets can’t access.
Where to Find Dahlia Tubers
There are many, many places you can purchase lovely dahlia tubers, including your Home Depot, Lowes, or local garden store. But, for some real variety, take a peek at Holland Bulbs or Dutch Grown.
“To plant a garden is to dream of tomorrow.” —Audrey Hepburn
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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
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