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getting started with dahlias
Dahlias are a popular choice among gardeners due to their stunning variety, extended bloom time, and exceptional cut flower qualities. To achieve bigger and brighter dahlia blooms, it’s essential to start them early in the spring using a few key techniques. Here’s how you can get a head start on growing these beautiful flowers.
preparing the soil
Before planting dahlias, ensure your soil is well-prepared. Dahlias prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight), rich soil with good drainage, and moderate watering during the green growth stage, increasing water when they bloom. You can amend the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage.
To enhance soil quality, consider adding leaf mold to help with moisture retention. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining consistent soil moisture levels, which dahlias appreciate. For container gardening, use a well-draining potting mix and add materials like perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage further.
choosing the right method
There are several methods to grow dahlias, including using tubers, rooted cuttings, and seeds. Tubers are the most common method and offer a quick way to get started.
using dahlia tubers
Dahlia tubers are essentially the roots of mature plants and can be purchased from garden centers or by mail order in the spring. To plant them, follow these steps:
- Soak the Tubers: Before planting, soak the tubers in a bucket of tepid water for about an hour to rehydrate them.
- Plant in Pots: Place the tubers in large pots filled with peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Ensure the joint where the roots meet the stem is facing upwards.
- Provide Warmth: Keep the pots in a warm location, such as a windowsill or frost-free greenhouse, until late May when it’s safe to plant them outside.
starting dahlias in pots
Starting dahlias in pots allows for earlier blooms and greater success, especially in colder climates. Here are some tips for growing dahlias in pots:
- Container Size: Use containers with a diameter of at least 12 to 16 inches and a depth of 12 to 18 inches to accommodate the tubers and roots.
- Drainage: Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Sunlight: Place the containers in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Watering: Water regularly, but avoid overwatering by checking the soil moisture level with your finger or a moisture meter.
creating optimal conditions
To achieve bigger and brighter blooms, it’s crucial to create optimal growing conditions for your dahlias.
temperature and humidity
Dahlias thrive in warmer temperatures. The ideal soil temperature for planting is between 55-60°F (13-15°C), which promotes root formation and sprouting. For rooting cuttings, maintain a consistent temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C) and high humidity to prevent wilting.
using rooting hormone
While dahlias can root without a rooting hormone, using one can speed up the process and result in more vigorous root growth. Hormodin 3, with its high concentration of IBA, is a popular choice for this purpose.
maintaining and caring for dahlias
Once your dahlias are planted, regular maintenance is key to achieving those bigger, brighter blooms.
fertilization
Feed your dahlias with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Follow the package instructions for application rates and frequency to ensure optimal nutrient delivery.
staking and support
As dahlias grow, they may need staking or caging to prevent them from toppling over. Be careful not to damage the tubers or roots during this process.
overwintering
In colder climates, dahlias will need to be dug up and overwintered indoors to protect them from frost. Store the tubers in a pot of dry compost and replant them in the spring.
tips for bigger blooms
To maximize the size and vibrancy of your dahlia blooms, consider these additional tips:
- Pinch Out Shoots: Pinch out the tips of the main shoots when they are about 10 cm long to encourage bushy growth and more flowers.
- Remove Excess Shoots: Remove most of the shoots growing from the tuber, leaving only a few to promote strong, vigorous growth.
- Regular Pruning: Regularly prune your dahlias to encourage new blooms and maintain their shape.
By following these early spring tricks and maintaining optimal growing conditions, you can enjoy bigger, brighter dahlia blooms throughout the summer and into the fall.
Allan is a lifelong gardening enthusiast who still gets excited when the first seedlings pop up in spring. With a deep love for nature and a hands-in-the-soil approach, he shares practical tips, plant discoveries, and clever tricks picked up over years of digging, planting, and observing. Whether you’re a new gardener or have a shed full of tools, Allan writes like a neighbor who’s always happy to swap cuttings and stories over the fence.
You can find more about Allan’s work on Malt or connect with him on LinkedIn.
