GROWING GUIDE - DAHLIAS

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy dahlias in your garden? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive growing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.

QUICK FACTS

• Sun Requirements: Location, Protected From Strong Winds
• Soil: Initially
• Spacing: For Potted Dahlias, Use At Least A 10 In

PLANTING

Dahlias produce colourful, spiky flowers that bloom from midsummer until first frost. Handle tubers carefully, as the buds at the stem end are fragile.

Pre-planting care: Keep tubers in their bag until planting. Open the bag slightly and store in a cool place.

Sprouting: Dormant tubers can be sprouted indoors using a shallow covering of slightly moist peat or vermiculite in warm conditions.

Planting depth: 6-8 in. deep, covering with 2 in. of soil initially. Gradually fill in the hole as the plant grows.

Spacing: For potted dahlias, use at least a 10 in. pot and cover the tuber with 2 in. of soil.

Support: Most taller varieties require staking for support.

Pinching: Encourage lateral growth and more flowers by pinching out the center growing tip when plants reach 12 in. high.

TIMING

• Plant tubers directly in the garden after all risk of frost has passed and the soil is warm
• Dahlias tolerate some shade but prefer a full sun location, protected from strong winds

SOIL & WATERING

Soil type: Well-prepared, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Amendments: Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure and incorporate a balanced organic fertilizer.

Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

FERTILIZING

• Apply organic fertilizer according to package instructions when preparing the planting bed
• Continue feeding throughout the growing season for vigorous growth and abundant blooms

WINTER STORAGE

After a killing frost, lift plants, cut off tops close to the tubers, rinse off soil, and dry tubers in the fall sun.

Storage method: Once dry, dust with fungicide and store in dry peat or vermiculite in a cool, non-freezing location (cellar, garage). Periodically check for drying or mold; adjust moisture or airflow as needed.

In spring, divide tubers, ensuring at least three eyes per clump, or plant whole for larger plants.

HARVESTING & CUTTING FLOWERS

• Cut flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming
• Choose whole stems when cutting, maintaining the plant’s shape to encourage new bud growth until frost

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PERENNIAL CARE SEE: TIPS FOR PERENNIALS

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality dahlias and get everything you need to start your garden today!

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