Care For Dahlia Tips From The Experts

Dahlias ensure a true bloom in the garden. But so that you can enjoy them, the dahlias need to be cared for and properly cared for.

Originating from Mexico Dahlias (Dahlia) have long been the most popular flowers in gardens and parks. They are particularly interesting for hobby gardeners due to their unusual variety of shapes and colors. Although the dahlia can be described as a rather easy-care garden plant, there are still some aspects to consider when it comes to caring. It is precisely the willingness of the plant to flower that is decisively influenced by correct handling. We show you how to optimally care for your dahlias.

The right location for dahlias

Dahlias are pronounced sun worshipers among the ornamental plants and are therefore optimally at home in full sun. In addition to the correct location, the soil is also important for the growth and health of the colorful flower: ideally, the planting site has nutrient-rich soil that is relatively permeable. Compacted clay and loam soils are usually not very suitable. In this case, sand should be incorporated to improve water drainage. Incorporating compost has also proven its worth, as it loosens up the soil structure and provides additional nutrients.

When choosing a location, pay attention to the following points:

• Full sunny place
• Nutrient-rich and well-drained soil

Dahlias: buy tubers or dahlias in pots?

Many wonder whether planting tubers or buying a whole plant makes more sense. First of all, you should note: Dahlias that have already grown will flower several weeks before the tubers are used. You can also take this step yourself by bringing the tubers out in the house from March onwards.

Soil and substrate properties for dahlias

The permeability of the soil is important both when planting the tubers outdoors and when growing them indoors so that there is no rot in the root area. High-quality potting soil such as our peat-free Plantura organic potting soil is ideal. This is used both to improve the soil in the bed and for dahlias in pots.

Plant dahlia bulbs correctly

Planting the dahlia bulbs requires a little attention for planting to be a success: Before planting, place the bulbs in water for one night to compensate for the moisture loss from the winter. Then insert the tubers so deep that the tip is a few centimeters below the surface of the earth. Depending on the variety, the dahlias should be planted in the open at a distance of 30 to 100 cm.

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Properly care for dahlias in beds and pots

Caring for dahlias requires comparatively little effort and the flowering plants only rarely need to be checked. We show you what you should still pay attention to.

Water dahlias properly

Water your dahlias as needed as the soil slowly dries out. On the other hand, when it is very hot in midsummer you can use the watering can more often. You should take great care not to flood your flowers with water, as the exotic plants do not tolerate waterlogging well. Also, when watering, make sure to only water the soil under the plant and not to wet the leaves.

Fertilize dahlias properly

The most sensible method of supplying dahlias with nutrients is to use primarily organic slow-release fertilizers or compost. Work our Plantura organic flower fertilizer into the ground before planting the dahlias and repeat the process over the course of the summer. Learn more about how to fertilize dahlias here.

Cutting dahlias: Cut off dried flowers and leaves

Cutting your dahlia is not only useful to bring the plant into a decorative shape, but also to influence growth and flowering. Cut off dried flowers and leaves regularly to stimulate the formation of new shoots. In this way, you get the dahlia to develop more flowers. If you prefer particularly large flowers, it is worth keeping just a few shots. You can also achieve greater branching of the plant if you cut off a few shoot tips at the beginning.

The following pruning measures are worthwhile with the dahlia:

• Cut shoot tips: Stronger branching
• Cut off dried flowers: formation of new shoots and flowers
• Preservation of only a few shoots: larger flowers

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Successfully overwintering dahlias

The most effective method of wintering dahlias is to dig up the tubers in the fall. Immediately after the first frost, cut the dahlias down to a length of 10 cm and carefully dig out the tubers. In an airy and cool, but frost-free environment, they can remain until the next spring, to be used again afterward.