Growing Dahlias
What do you think?
When you receive your dahlia package, make sure to open the box as soon as you can to give the tubers some airflow. We recommend you plant them out as soon as you possibly can.
Planting
Plant dahlias after the risk of frost has passed. Dig a hole and place the tuber on its side, with the eye(s) facing up . We recommend 10-15 cm below surface level. Do not water until you see shoots breaking through the soil.
Spacing
Dahlias have a tendency to branch out so will need spacing of at least 40 cm between plants.
Staking
Dahlias can grow to a height of 120-150cm and thus will need staking to support the plants from high winds, heavy rain and even the weight of its own blooms.
Watering
Tubers will not need to be watered until the first shoots are visible. Once they break through the soil, you will need to water deeply once a week. When temperatures are high, we recommend increasing to twice a week.
Fertilising
Dahlias are considered “heavy feeders” and will require fertiliser throughout the growing season to ensure they receive the nutrients they need to produce beautiful blooms all season long. Make sure to follow the application instructions of your preferred fertiliser brand.
Pinching
To encourage lateral growth (or “branches”) you can pinch the central stalk of the dahlia. Do this when you see at least 4 sets of leaves on the central stalk. Pinching will promote more flowers and better stems for cutting.
Harvesting
Cut blooms when they are ¾ quarter to fully open. They won’t open much thereafter so it pays to remember this when harvesting stems for weddings and other special occasions. Dead-head flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
“Dahlias come in a variety of forms and gorgeous palettes – from pastel shades through to bright colours. Their allure in summer and autumn is undeniable.”
Digging
Dahlias will stop blooming in autumn signaling an end to their season. If you live in a climate with no frost and do not get heavy rains during winter, you may leave them in the ground to regrow the following season. However it is advisable by Year 3 that you dig them up as the tubers will become too large, too heavy and you may find it more difficult to divide the tubers the longer you leave them in the ground.
We recommend digging up and storing your dahlias every year. Once you’ve dug them up you will need to store your tubers in a well-ventilated container filled with a medium such as coarse vermiculite or potting mix. Place the container in a spot away from rain, frost and rodents/pests. Some popular storage locations include a shed, garage or basement. Monitor your tubers regularly for rot, mould or dryness. Throw them away if you spot rot or mould to minimise the spread to other tubers.
If tubers are dry, you can spritz lightly with water to ensure they don’t dry out too much.
Related Articles
How Flower Farmstead Began
Whether it’s the hue of a precious gem or a stem that reminds them of a special time or place – our florists take inspiration from a plethora of su…
3 of the Easiest Flowers to Grow From Seed
Looking to start a cut flower garden but not sure where to begin? Build your gardening confidence with these three flowers that are the easiest to start from seed.
