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How to Grow Dahlias in Containers

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Short on garden space but still want to grow dahlias? Learn how to grow dahlias in containers with these simple tips.

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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 and stake plants to help support the height and weight of the blooms.

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In colder climates, dahlias will need to be dug up and overwintered indoors if you want to enjoy the following season.

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Follow along to learn more about growing dahlias.

Gardening Tips & Tricks

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