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Growing Dahlias

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

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.

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Dahlias are tender perennials that must be lifted out of the ground in  order to survive in colder climates or  treated as an annual.

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 need full sun and prefer moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.  

Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering. Water in the earlier part of the day at the base of plants. Avoid watering from above to help prevent pest and disease problems.

The quality of your soil will determine if and when to fertilize when planting. After the first month, use a slow-release fertilizer so the application is set and forget to make things easier for you.

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. And deadhead spent flowers so  plants produce an abundance of blooms. 

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Mulching around the base of the dahlia plants can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. And provide support for the plants as they can get tall and the blooms heavy.

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Follow along to learn more about growing dahlias.

Gardening Tips & Tricks

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