how to grow dahlias

Whether you're drawn to the dinner-plate-sized blooms of the "Café au Lait" or the vibrant hues of the "Bishop of Llandaff," explore catalogues and online resources to discover the dahlias that speak to your heart.

Dahlias thrive in full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, dahlias prefer well-drained soil. 

Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance its fertility and drainage.

Dahlias thrive in full sun, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Additionally, dahlias prefer well-drained soil. Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. 

Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance its fertility and drainage.

Install stakes or cages around the plants early in the season to provide support as they mature. 

Additionally, pinch out the top inch of the growing tip once the plant reaches a height of about 12 to 18 inches. This encourages branching and results in more flowers.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting, and follow up with additional applications every four to six weeks during the growing season. 

Monitor the plants for pests and diseases, such as aphids or powdery mildew, and take appropriate measures to control them. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.

When the first frost threatens, carefully lift the tubers from the ground, trim off the foliage, and allow them to dry for a few days.

Store the tubers in a cool, dry place for the winter, protecting them from freezing temperatures. Inspect them periodically and discard any damaged or rotting tubers.

how to grow dahlias