Dahlias are one of the summer's full sun favorites. Dahlia blooms put on a magnificent show summer all the way to frost. There are so many diverse types of dahlias available in differing colors, shapes, heights and styles. Some of the many types include: Ball, Pom Pon, Bronze Leaf, Cactus & Semi-Cactus, Fubuki, Decorative, Go Go Pot Dahlias, Collarette & Anemone Flowering, Powder Puff, Waterlily and Dinnerplate. Decisions, decisions!
Highlights
- Excellent for bouquets and cut flower arrangements
- Blooms Summer to frost
- Grows well in containers, garden beds and borders
- Showy blooms
- Beneficial to pollinators; attracts bees & butterflies
Exposure:
Sun
Blooms:
Summer
Height:
Grows 24-36" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 18-24" apart, 1" deep just below soil level deep
USDA Zones:
Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9
Growing Instructions
Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Dahlias thrive in full sun locations where they receive direct sunlight 6 hours or more each day. The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Plant tubers 3-5" deep and 12-16" apart. Cover with soil. When planting a large number of dahlias in one bed, excavate the entire area to the recommended depth, work fertilizer into the bottom of the trench, set out tubers and then cover all at once. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out. Fertilize in early spring and again in late summer. In areas where dahlias are not winter hardy, dig up tubers just before frost. Cut off stems 2" above tuber. Store tubers at 50ºF in dry peat moss or vermiculite. Replant in spring after all danger of frost has passed. In areas where dahlias are winter hardy, tubers may be left in the ground if a layer of organic mulch such as leaves, straw or hay is provided.
Care Tip
Jump start dahlia tubers indoors 4-6 weeks before the last anticipated frost date. Plant 1 tuber per 5-8" pot filled with potting mix and place in a warm, sunny spot. Plant outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed. To promote more foliage and an abundance of blooms, pinch dahlias when reaching 8-10" in height and cut some of the taller stems back. Taller dahlias may need to be staked, caged or corraled to prevent toppling over. Divide dahlias in fall.
