Planting Dahlias

 

Dahlias are hardy tuberous perennials which not only produce an abundance of blooms they require very little maintenance in the growing season.

We would like you to get the best out of your plants and helping you get them settled and growing correctly in the garden.

From mid to late spring , tubers can be planted once the dangers of frost have passed . late October -early November, is ideal, Once the ground temperatures have reached 15C or greater.

Planting too early can lead to rot and the failure of the plant . Dahlia's dislike the cold, wet soils and require lifting if the soil is expected to remain damp or if an area that experiences freezing temps in the winter.

You can choose to leave in the ground if well drained area but the tubers will continue to multiply making it harder to divide in future years and will create multiple stems making a more unmanageable plant

Alternatively tubers can be planted in pots before planted in the garden.

If tubers are placed into pot and begin to sprout, they need to be protected in a sheltered area.

Dahlias are tolerant to many different soil types and do prefer humus rich soil. They will benefit form organic material being added to the soil before planting, adding well aged animal manures or compost during winter early spring will help prepare the soil for planting.

Dahlias thrive in well drained soil with a ideal PH reading of between 6.0-7.0 If the soil is heavy clay , adding compost or gypsum to assist in making it friable and breathable.

When planting your tuber ,the eye of the tuber needs to be facing upwards , If the tuber is planted the wrong way it is unlikely to produce new shoots and grow as well.

The eye of the tuber is a small swollen bud it can vary in colour white ,green pink or red and is found at the neck of the tuber.

Dig a hole approximately 10cm-20cm deep (depending on the size of your tuber )for smaller tubers a more a shallower hole is more suitible,the top of the tuber should just be covered with around 5cms of soil.

For larger growing species space 40cm-50cm apart while smaller 20cm-30cm aprt.

DO NOT WATER IN AS THIS CAN CAUSE ROTTING

Wait till the shoots emerge from the soil before watering .

Once Dahlias are actively growing they require efficient amounts of fertilizer and water throughout the season to guarantee beautiful blooms and healthy plant using a fish based fertilizer applied every two weeks .

 

 

Back to blog