Dahlia is a tuber that is native to the mountains of Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. This plant grows best in humid and cool climates, with a long summer growing season. Be careful about watering and cutting your dahlias, as well as storing them for the winter, as they are more sensitive than most other garden flowers.
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Part 1 of 3: Planting Dahlias
Step 1. Make sure you have a growing season of at least 120 days
You can't plant dahlias until the soil in your garden is over 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius), so planting can be done between April and June, depending on your location. You can usually plant these tubers around the same time you plant tomatoes.
- These bulbs prefer morning sun, and can benefit from shade in the hottest hours of the afternoon.
- Check your local violence zone at
- Dahlias grow best in zones 8, 9 and 10, where they don't need to be dug up every winter. Dahlias grow best in the Pacific Northwest United States. Dahlias can also be grown in cold zones with long sunny summers.
Step 2. Buy dahlias that don't brown too much
You should cut off any rotten parts you see before planting them.
If you want to combine dahlias with other flowers in your bouquets in the garden, it is recommended that you choose a variety that is small to medium-sized so that it will not compete too much with other plants
Step 3. Store the dahlias in small pieces of sand or foam for packing until you are ready to plant them
Step 4. Improve your garden soil with clay, such as peat or sand
Dahlias also like slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7. Make sure you amend the soil in a dry area of your garden.
Avoid using packaged humus that has been pretreated for weeds
Step 5. Dig into the soil about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to plant the dahlia bulbs
Dahlias with large flowers should be spaced 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm) apart in a row. Place a sow of milled bone mixture in the hole as initial fertilizer.
Smaller dahlias can be planted closer together, about 9 to 12 inches (23-30 cm) apart
Step 6. Make sure the eyes of the bulbs are facing the sky
Cover with soil. Make a mound 6 inches (15 cm) off the ground.
Step 7. Don't water the dahlias until you start to see them grow
Dahia will easily rot in soil that is watered too often.
If you live in a very dry climate, you can moisten the soil slightly before planting
Step 8. Set a rotating water spray to water your dahlias once the dahlias have sprouted
These dahlias should be watered for 30 minutes per time, 2 to 3 times per week. Make sure the water is soft and can dry or completely absorb into the soil.
- The water must be at least 4 inches (10 cm) deep.
- Some warmer dry climates may require watering every other day.
Step 9. Feed poison bait in your garden to catch snails immediately after planting
Snails especially like small, immature dahlias.
Step 10. Sprout your dahlia plant at the time of planting, if the plant is in big blooms
Dahlias will need support later in the growing season. When the dahlias grow, you can tie the stems to the stake with a nylon hose or garden tape.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for Dahlia
Step 1. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once per month, once the dahlias have reached a height of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm)
Avoid over-fertilizing, as dahlias can be sensitive to this.
Avoid fertilizing at the end of the season
Step 2. Locate and pluck the final flower buds when the plant reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches (7.6 -10 cm)
This is the point below the second pair of leaves. This will cause the plant to divide and produce more blooms.
Step 3. Cut the dahlias at the base of the stems when they are in full bloom
Wait until the bar is at least as long as your wrists to your elbows. Dahlias bloom in groups of 3, and you can pick the left and right flowers to produce a larger center flower.
- Place the flowers you cut in hot water. Then, let the flowers cool for another hour. Dahlia flowers should last 4 to 6 days.
- Cut your flowers in the morning for best results.
Step 4. Cut off blooms that are starting to wilt and trim flowers regularly during the season to encourage a fuller dahlia plant with more blooms
Step 5. Watch out for aphids and spider mites
You can spray the dahlia plant with an insecticide to deter pests.
Part 3 of 3: Saving Dahlias During Winter
Step 1. Wait until after the first frost to remove the dahlia tubers
Dahlia leaves will begin to darken as they cool. Wait a few days after that, so the bulbs can freeze.
Step 2. Cut the dahlia stems 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground and surround them with straw flakes in zones 7, 8, and 9
Make sure you have a thick layer of hay flakes to protect them during the winter.
Dig up and remove dahlia tubers in cooler climates
Step 3. Dig up the tubers with a shovel, if you are going to keep them inside for the winter
This is necessary to avoid killing them throughout the cold winter climate.
Step 4. Cut stems 6 inches (15 cm) from the base
Rinse with water to remove soil and allow to air dry.
Step 5. Cover the cardboard box with newspaper
Arrange the dahlia tubers in the box so they don't touch each other. Pour sand, peat, or foam into small pieces for packing around the bulbs.
