Planting Dahlias
“The earth laughs in flowers.”
What better flower to plant in your garden this year than the sunny face of a dahlia.
Dahlias are an amazing addition to summer and fall flower bouquets and there are so many varieties and colors. “ But how do I plant them?” you might ask. Here are some handy tips to help you get started…
First things first. Choose tubers that are plump and healthy looking. No dried up shriveled or molding ones.
Plant them in the spring after the danger of frost is past. The ground should be about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, just after you would plant tomatoes. We are talking mid-April to mid-May
To get a head start you can start them in pots indoors and transition them outdoors. Be sure to slowly acclimate them to the outdoors. Acclimating plants to prevent transplant shock requires moving the plant to a cooler place in your home and then just outside in a protected area and then to its final destination. Do this over a period of days.
Planting dahlias in full sun will provide you with more blooms. 6-8 hours will do.
Stake bigger dahlias and protect them from the wind.
Dahlias prefer acid soil with a ph between 6.5 and 7. A ph soil kit can help you find out the acid level of your soil.
A rich well drained soil will make dahlias the happiest. If you have clay soil adding some sand, coconut coir or manure will help loosen the soil. Add some coconut coir to the bottom of the hole where you are planting. Do not mulch your dahlias, this invites slugs which think dahlias are tasty.
Plant bedding dahlias (these are smaller, shorter varieties) 9-12” apart. Plant bushier types 24” apart and larger varieties, like dinner plate, 36” apart.
No water is necessary until after plants begin to leaf out (this will prevent root rot).
Fertilize after leaves begin to appear. Use a low nitrogen fertilizer like a 5*10*10 or a 10*20*20. Use every 3-4 weeks until mid summer or early autumn making sure not to over fertilize. More is not better.
Dahlias are not deer resistant. If you do not have them in a fenced area place a barrier around them.
Dahlias will begin to bloom about 8 weeks after planting.
Pinch the center branch to create a fuller plant
Now that you have enjoyed a full season of these flowers and their happy sunny faces now what do you do?
In zone 7 and 8 you can leave them in the ground with a thick layer of mulch like shredded leaf mold or straw. Caution: Tubers may be lost in hard winter freezes.
Once the plant has died down, dig up tubers and allow it to dry upside down in the sun.
Once dry, cut off any damaged parts or rotting places and store in fluffy vermiculite, dry sand, or even packing peanuts.
I hope these tips have given you confidence to get out there and plant. You’ve got this!
For further insights check out the Farmers Almanac