How to Care for Dahlia Flowers

Are you interested in growing dahlias but don’t know where to start? While they are more involved than some easier-care plants to grow, they are fun to grow and you can’t beat the blooms. Learn how to care for dahlia flowers with these simple tips.

While I mostly share information about the easiest plants to grow, there is one flower that I love that isn’t for the faint of heart.

Now, that’s not to say it’s not doable to grow them.

Because it is.

But they are a little more work than what I consider to be easy-care.

Are you up for the challenge?

Dahlias are one of the most rewarding flowers to grow in your garden.

These stunning flowers come in a variety of colors and sizes, from tiny pompon dahlias to dinnerplate-sized blooms, and they are sure to impress anyone who sees them.

They not only look amazing in the garden but look equally as incredible in flower arrangements too.

Learn how to grow and care for them with these simple tips so that you can experience the joy of having these gorgeous flowers in your own garden.

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About Dahlia Flowers

Dahlias are beautiful flowering plants that require some care to thrive and produce their vibrant blooms.

They are the highlight of the late summer garden and are worth growing if you up to the task of caring for them.

Dahlias are tender perennials that must be lifted out of the ground in order to survive in colder climates (like mine gardening zone 6a) or treated as an annual. In most cases, home gardeners buy them as tubers, so this can get very expensive if you buy them from year to year.

Here are some essential care tips for dahlias.

Planting

You’ll most likely be shopping for tubers instead of full-grown plants. I usually order mine online from reputable sources like Longfield Gardens and White Flower Farm.

But you can also find them at your local nursery; however, there won’t be as great of a selection. So I recommend you shop online.

Regardless of where you shop, it’s important to select healthy tubers that are plump, firm, and free from any signs of decay, mold, or damage.

Choose tubers that have “eyes,” which are small buds or growth points on the tubers that will eventually sprout into stems and leaves.

Dahlias look best when planted in groupings. I usually go with three plants per variety and plant a few varieties in the same area of my garden.

If you lack garden space, you can grow dahlias in containers. See more below.

How to Plant Dahlia Tubers

Planting dahlia tubers is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it.

• Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun with well-drained soil. Dahlias prefer loamy, fertile soil with good drainage and are not fans of heavy clay soils. You can also amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, or well-rotted manure, to improve its fertility and drainage. It’s also a good idea to add some leaf mold to help with moisture retention.
• A good rule of thumb is to dig a hole that is about 4-6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the tuber. Place the tuber in the hole with the “eyes” facing upwards, and cover it with soil. If you are planting multiple tubers, space them about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
• After planting, water the tubers well.

What is the Best Month to Plant Dahlias

The best month to plant dahlias depends on your location and climate. Dahlias are typically planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.

In most regions, this is usually in the late spring to early summer, when the soil temperature has reached around 60°F or higher. If you want to have a good gauge on the soil temperature, you’ll need to use a soil thermometer.

As a general guideline, in gardening zones 7 and above, which have milder winters, dahlias can be planted in late April to early May. In colder regions, such as USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and lower, where the winters are harsher and the growing season is shorter, dahlias are usually planted in May to early June.

If you want to get a head start in early spring, plant them in containers in a sheltered area like a garage or shed, and don’t water them. Leave them be until it is time to plant them outside.

Watering

Dahlias prefer consistently moist soil, but are not waterlogged. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist.

It is recommended to water in the early part of the day. Avoid watering later in the day or from above, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Watering at the base of the plant prevents water from splashing on the leaves and flowers.

Drip irrigation systems set on a timer are great for keeping dahlias well-watered throughout the growing season without the need for additional watering from you.

Because dahlias are more maintenance than other plants, I recommend using a drip system if you can. It helps with keeping them hydrated, particularly during long hot, dry summers.

Fertilizing

The quality of your soil will determine if and when to fertilize them.

If you add a soil amendment like aged manure, fertilizer is not needed when you plant. However, if composted materials like pine bark, leaf mold, peat moss, or something similar are used, then add about 1/4 cup of balanced fertilizer per plant.

Following the first month, I recommend using a slow-release fertilizer so the application is set and forget to make things easier for you.

But whatever you choose, follow the specific package directions and do not apply more than recommended on the labeling.

More is not always better when it comes to fertilizing.

Pruning

Pinch back the tips of the stems when the plants are about 12-18 inches tall to encourage a bushier plant that will produce more flowers.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves or flowers during the growing season to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.

And deadhead spent flowers so plants produce an abundance of blooms. Dahlias are cut-and-come-again type flowers, so the more you cut, the more they will bloom.

I like to use these garden snips or pruners when pruning or deadheading my dahlias.

Mulching

Mulching around the base of the dahlia plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Use organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, and apply it to a depth of 2-3 inches. Organic mulches will help suppress weeds and eventually break down to enrich the soil.

Avoid mulching too close to the stems to prevent rot.

Supporting Dahlias

Not all plants need support but there are many large dahlias that need help so the weight of the flowers don’t cause it to fall over.

For those that require additional support, you can use:

• grow through support hoops
• tomato cages
• trellis netting

I have not found individual plant stakes to be very effective with dahlias and prefer using something more substantial.

Pest and Disease Control

Dahlias can be tough to grow and suffer from many problems including aphids, leafhoppers, slugs, and caterpillars. Potential diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, crown gall, viruses, and wilts.

For best care, walk your gardens every day and check out your plants. Look for any problems or infestations. If need be, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used depending on the problem.

It is a good idea to wear garden gloves when working with dahlias because they can cause contact dermatitis in some people with sensitive skin.

Good air circulation and proper spacing between plants can also help prevent pest and disease problems. So be sure to give them the proper spacing when planting.

Winter Storage

In areas with cold winters, dahlias are typically treated as tender perennials and need to be protected from frost. My gardening zone 6a, is one of them.

So if you want to save your dahlias so they bloom again next season, you’ll need to dig them up and store them for winter.

After the first frost, tag and label each dahlia so you know what’s there. Then cut back the foliage to about 2-3 inches above the soil level, carefully dig up the tubers, and store them in a cool, dark place where the temperature remains above freezing but below 50°F.

Allow the tubers to dry for a few days before storing them in a well-ventilated container with peat moss, vermiculite, or dry sand.

To learn more about how to dig up and store dahlias for winter, check out this post.

Divide Tubers

Dahlia tubers can multiply over time, and dividing them every 2-3 years can help rejuvenate the plants and promote better flowering.

Dividing tubers is typically done in the spring before planting, and it involves carefully separating the tubers with a sharp, clean knife, making sure each division has at least one “eye” or bud.

If you overwintered your dahlias, when you take them out of storage, carefully inspect them for signs of rot or disease before dividing them.

5 Reasons Why Dahlias Are Not Considered Easy Care

While I am a huge fan of growing dahlias because they are beautiful and rewarding plants to grow, they are not considered “easy-care” plants for several reasons.

So before growing them in your garden, carefully consider whether you want to do the work involved so you can be more successful with them.

• To grow them the following season, the overwintering process is a lot of work to keep them alive and prevent tubers from rotting and drying out.
• Dahlias have specific growing requirements that need to be met for optimal growth and flowering.
• Dahlias require some pruning and staking to maintain their shape, prevent flopping over, and encourage bushier growth.
• They are more susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis.
• Dividing tubers can also be a bit tricky, as it requires separating them without damaging the delicate “eyes” or buds that will sprout new growth in the next growing season.

What to Keep in Mind

Despite these challenges, many gardeners find the effort and care required to grow dahlias to be worthwhile for their stunning blooms.

From my experience, they are definitely more work than other plants, but pretty easy to grow once you learn how to do it and what works best for you.

I will say, it would not have been a good flower for me to grow while I was running around with three kids. But it’s perfect for me to grow now that they are older and don’t need as much time from me.

5 Reasons to Grow Dahlias

Despite them not being low-maintenance plants, dahlias are a popular choice among gardeners for good reason.

• The flowers are stunningly beautiful that come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. From small, delicate flowers to large, dinner-plate-sized blooms, dahlias can add a burst of color and drama to any garden or floral arrangement.
• Dahlias typically have a long blooming season, providing a consistent display of flowers from mid-summer until the first frost in the fall.
• They make great cut flowers.
• Dahlias are attractive to pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which can help promote biodiversity and support a healthy garden ecosystem.
• They can be grown in flower beds, borders, or containers, and can be used in mixed borders, as focal points, or as cut flowers for stunning floral arrangements. They are the perfect plant for cut flower gardens, but can also be easily incorporated into various garden styles, from formal to cottage gardens, and even modern landscapes.

Do Dahlias Come Back Every Year?

As mentioned before, dahlias are tender perennials which means they are not reliably winter-hardy and may not come back every year in colder climates or areas with harsh winters.

However, in warmer regions or in well-protected microclimates, dahlias may survive and regrow from tubers left in the ground over winter.

In colder climates where temperatures drop below freezing, dahlia tubers need to be lifted and stored indoors during the winter to protect them from frost and prevent them from rotting if you want to grow them the following year.

And if your region is on the cusp, you can try heavily mulching during the winter to see if you can encourage dahlias to return the following season without digging them up.

Can Dahlias Be Grown in Containers?

Yes, dahlias can be grown in containers!

In fact, growing dahlias in containers are a popular option for gardeners who have limited space or want to add a burst of color to outdoor living spaces where planting in the ground is not feasible.

For best results, here’s what you need to know.

• Choose a container with a diameter of at least 12 to 16 inches and a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches. Make sure the container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent waterlogging.
• Use a well-draining potting mix. You can also add perlite, vermiculite, or sand to the potting mix to improve drainage.
• Plant one dahlia tuber per container, positioning it horizontally with the “eye” or bud facing up. Cover the tuber with about 2 inches of potting mix.
• Maintain containers in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Rotate the container periodically to ensure even sunlight exposure on all sides of the plant.
• Containers dry out faster than the ground, so it’s important to water them regularly, checking the soil moisture level with your finger or a moisture meter. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between watering.
• Fertilize dahlias with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants and follow the package instructions for application rates and frequency.
• Stake or cage plants to provide support as they grow, being careful not to damage the tubers or roots during the process.
• In colder climates, dahlias will need to be dug up and overwintered indoors if you want to enjoy the following season.

Do Dahlias Do Better in Pots or in the Ground?

Dahlias can be grown successfully both in pots and in the ground, and the choice between the two largely depends on your specific gardening situation, space availability, and personal preferences.

Here are some considerations to help you decide whether dahlias may do better in pots or in the ground.

Grow Them in Pots If:

• If you have limited space.
• They are more portable so you can move them around to optimize sunlight exposure or for aesthetic purposes.
• You have more control over soil and drainage:
• They offer better protection from common pests like slugs, snails, and ground-dwelling insects, as they are elevated off the ground.

Plant Dahlias in the Ground If:

• Dahlias planted in the ground can benefit from the natural nutrients and microbial activity in the soil, which can contribute to healthier root development and overall plant growth.
• Dahlias planted in the ground can develop a more extensive and established root system compared to those in pots, which can enhance their stability and resilience against weather fluctuations.
• Some dahlia varieties can grow quite large, with tall stems and wide-spreading foliage. Planting these larger varieties in the ground provides them with ample space to grow and develop to their full potential.
• There is less watering maintenance as pots dry out more quickly than in the ground.

In general, dahlias can thrive both in pots and in the ground, and the decision on whether to grow them in pots or in the ground depends on your specific gardening situation and preferences.

How to Enjoy Dahlias as Cut Flowers

Dahlias make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements. Here are some tips to get the most out of these flowers in a vase.

• It’s best to harvest them when they are in the “soft” or “half-open” stage of bloom. At this stage, the flowers are mature but not fully open, and they will last longer in a vase compared to fully open flowers.
• To extend their vase life, harvest in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler. Avoid harvesting during the heat of the day.
• Use sharp and clean tools to ensure clean cuts and minimizes damage to the stems, which can improve water uptake and prolong vase life.
• Remove any foliage that will be under the waterline to prevent rotting and bacterial growth.
• Once cut, immediately place the dahlias in a bucket of clean, tepid water. Let them rest for a few hours or overnight to allow them to fully hydrate and condition before arranging them in a vase.
• Change the water regularly every 2-3 days, and recut the stems at an angle to ensure they can continue to take up water. This helps prevent bacterial growth and keeps the flowers fresh.
• Place the vase of dahlias in a cool spot away from direct sunlight and drafts, as these can cause the flowers to wilt more quickly.
• Feed the blooms with flower food.

Play around with your blooms and experiment with different color combinations, textures, and vase styles to create visually stunning displays.

To learn how to arrange flowers like a pro, click here.

And for more information to keep fresh cut flowers longer, click her.

My Favorite Varieties of Dahlias

Having grown them for several years now, there are a number of dahlia varieties that I love. Here are some of my favorites:

• ‘Jowey Winnie’
• ‘Penhill Watermelon’
• ‘Cafe Au Lait’
• ‘Thomas Edison’
• ‘Eveline’
• ‘Labrynth’
• ‘Tropical’
• ‘Karma Choc’
• ‘Pooh’
• ‘Bonanza’
• ‘Urchin’

More About Growing Dahlias

Are you growing dahlias yet? If so, what is your favorite variety? Do you have an growing tips you’d like to share? I would love to know more in the comments below.

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Garden Supplies I Use

I’m often asked about the garden supplies and tools that I use most. From pruners to deer repellents, here are some of my favorites in no particular order.

• I like to use a good-quality garden soil, compost, and perlite when planting.
• I have used this deer repellent with great success. But now, I’m all about this deer repellent that is systemic instead of topical. This means the plant takes it in as opposed to it just smelling bad.
• Hands down this is my favorite hand-weeding tool. You can use to get underneath roots, loosen soil, and it cuts down on the weeding time because you work much faster.
• But I also love this long, stand-up weeding tool to really get around roses from afar.
• I like to use THIS ORGANIC FERTILIZER for roses because the blooms are more prolific and it’s organic.
• You’ll need a sharp set of pruners when working with plants and flowers. I buy a few so I can stash them around.
• Where pest and disease problems are concerned, I generally use this insecticidal soap or neem oil to help control infestations depending on the issue.
• This is my favorite set-and-forget slow-release fertilizer for houseplants, annuals, and container gardens.
• Whenever I stake my peonies or other plants, I generally use these grow through garden supports because they work really well and keep the blooms upright.

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