Plant, Grow, Dig, Divide & Store Amazing Dahlias

When to Plant Dahlias

Plant your tubers when all danger of frost has passed and the ground has warmed to 60F. This helps prevent rot. You can check your soil temperature at greencastonline.com/tools/soil-temperature 

Where to Plant Dahlias

Dahlias appreciate well draining soil with full sun. The more sun, the more blooms you will get! In very hot climates (CA, TX) dahlias appreciate some afternoon shade to cool off a bit.

How to Plant Dahlias

Dig a 4-6 inch deep hole. Throw a handful of bone meal in the hole. Lay your tuber horizontally and cover with soil. Minimum space between tubers should be 12”. Sprinkle Sluggo around the planting area.

How to Water Dahlias

There is no need to water your dahlia until it is a few inches tall. Too much water can cause rot of unsprouted tubers. Normal rain is fine. Once it has significant foliage, deep watering every other day is recommended.

How to Stake Dahlias

Dahlias can get very large and heavy. Staking is recommended. You can use a tomato cage or tie the main stalk to a wood or metal stake. Groups of dahlias can be corralled with stakes and twine.

How to Cut Dahlias

Cut often for more blooms. Dahlias like to be cut deep. Taking an 18-24” stem is good for your plant. You will notice that new stalk buds form at the leaf node just below your cuts and grow new stems.

How to Fertilize Dahlias

Dahlias appreciate a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium every other week when they are growing foliage. Once they have started forming buds you can switch to a low nitrogen fertilizer.

How to Prevent Dahlia Disease

Dahlia virus is mainly spread through insects such as aphids, thrips, cucumber beetles, earwigs and others which chew leaves or petals and infect the plant. You can read more about pest management options at: arbico-organics.com