How to plant dahlias?

How should you plant dahlias?

When the chance of frost has gone, it is time to plant dahlia tubers . This is in April-May. Keep an eye on the weather forecast because dahlia tubers die when it freezes. In contrast to flower bulbs, they can handle this very badly. If you have already planted them and it freezes, then cover them with leaves or moss.

What is the location of a dahlia?

Dahlias love sunlight, which gives them more beautiful colors and makes them fuller. So plant the dahlias in a bright spot. If you don't do this, the stems will become too long and they will need support. Make sure you plant them in a nutritious, well drained but not too dry soil. Dahlias do not develop in soil that is too dry, but the tubers can rot in soil that is too wet. Also make sure that you do not place the dahlias in a place that is too windy. Especially tall and large varieties can suffer from the wind and can blow over, causing the stem to break.

How deep do you plant a dahlia tuber?

You plant a dahlia with the thickened roots down in the ground. However, no matter how you put the tuber in the ground, the flower will find its way up. Make sure that the piece of old stem is just below the ground, then you will have the right depth. The new plant develops around and on this old piece of stem.

What is the best soil for dahlias?

A dahlia likes well-drained soil, and also food. A rich soil with lots of organic matter is perfect for a larger dahlia. You can create this soil yourself by mixing some compost, soil with old leaves or potting soil with the garden soil.

How to plant dahlias in pots

Smaller dahlia varieties such as mignon, gallery and topmix are best planted in pots. Do use a larger sized pot so that the dahlia can get enough nutrition from the soil but does not need to be watered every day. Of course, planting large dahlias in pots is also possible, just make sure the pot is even bigger and taller. Also place a stake near the plant so that when the flower stem becomes very tall, it does not grow crooked or fall over.

Plant the dahlia just like in the open ground with the thick root downwards. In a pot, the cut piece of stem may protrude above the ground. Do not fill the pot completely with potting soil, but leave about 5 cm of space so that the water does not go over the edge during watering.

Care after planting

After planting the dahlia tubers, it is important to take good care of your dahlias. Caring for dahlias is very easy, but you do need to take the time to do it.

Water regularly to keep the soil moist
Pinch out the top growing tip, when the plant has made 3 to 4 clumps of leaves for a fuller plant
Give a little fertilizer every month
Dead head flowers to encourage new flower growth
At the end of the season: when the frosts return, you can cut off the yellow leaves and remove the tuber from the ground

More info? Check out our separate page on caring for dahlias.

Make it bloom!