Growing Dahlias

GROW YOUR OWN DAHLIAS

Dahlias are beautiful perennial plants that are easy to grow. There are 32 different species in all, and they come in a wide variety of colors. Most people grow dahlias from tubers (bulbs). You may see dahlias in gardens around homes, parks, hospitals, banks and other businesses. If you want to try your hand at landscaping, consider growing dahlias.

Planting And Growing

• Dahlia plants or cuttings provide the most flexibilty and the earliest start to the blooming season. They can be planted any time after the threat of frost has passed. They may be planted earlier if frost protection is provided. 
• Dahlia tubers should not be planted until soil temperature in the top 6 inches is at least 50 degrees. Tubers planted into cold soils will lay dormant and risk decaying before they sprout. 
• Find a location where the soil drains well. Amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 5-10 cm to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available.
• Site your dahlias where they will they will receive full sun.
• Dig holes and plant the dahlia tubers with 5-10cm soil above them and 30-60cm apart depending on the variety's mature size. The tubers will vary in shape, with some being quite round and others shaped like long ovals. 
• Look for the side or end of the tuber that appears to have the most "eyes" or growing points, which appear much like the eyes on a potato. Plant the tuber with the eyes facing up. Don't worry if you get it wrong, the plant will grow anyway.
• After planting, water your dahlias lightly. Roots and sprouts will form quickly in warm soil. (If the soil is still quite cool, wait until it warms before planting).

Blooming Period

• Dahlias will develop buds early summer and bloom through the autumn, until the weather cools considerably. (Or until frost, in colder regions). 
• When in bloom, feel free to cut dahlia flowers for bouquets. 
• This will not hurt the plants and having vibrant blooms to bring indoors is one of the best reasons to grow dahlias.

After The Flowers Have Gone

• After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. 
• The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. 
• Water as needed. In very cold areas, if you want to save your dahlia tubers for next year, dig them about a week after the first frost. 
• Let the tubers air dry for several days. Then store in a cool location in paper bags or boxes filled with peat moss. Replant in spring when danger of frost has past.

Growing Dahlias In Containers

• Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained potting mix. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. 
• Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; dahlia must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot. 
• Keep in mind the mature size of the varieties you have chosen; some dahlia plants get quite large and need spacious containers.
• Site containers where they will receive full sun.
• Plant and care for them as above. Pots need to be kept well watered in the summer.