Planting Dahlia’s in the Garden

If you live in planting zones 8-10 you are very lucky. With the exception of a deep freeze your Dahlias will come back season after season.

The Dahlia got its name from a Swedish botanist named Anders Dahl. The Dahlia is also Mexico’s national flower.

Dahlias thrive in full sun, (some partial shade). And in really hot afternoons can benefit from a little shade.

When to Plant:

Plant when your ground temperature is at least 60 degrees F.

To prepare and plant your tuber. Cultivate a space about 8-10 inches deep, amending soil with compost or peat moss, depending upon your soil. Take out 3-4 inches of soil; place your tuber (finger side down), eyes facing up. Cover with the rest of your growing medium.

I did not know this, but Dahlia’s should sprout before they need any regular watering. I made a mistake by planting tubers and thinking I had to water a lot. Dahlias do not like this. And neither did I!

A word about fertilizing! Do not over fertilize your Dahlias and use the correct fertilizer. For instance Miracle Grow Bloom Booster has too much nitrogen (N - the first value in a fertilizer ratio). Preferably a

5-10-10 (NPK) ratio is good for Dahlias. I like, Burpee Organic Tomato and Vegetable fertilizer for my Dahlias. It has a 3-6-4 ratio, limiting the nitrogen going to the plant. You can also use a regular 5-10-10 fertilizer for your Dahlias.

Winter Protection:

If you are not in USDA zones 8-10, you will need to lift your dahlias and store over the winter.

If you are in USDA zone 8 for planting or zone 9, remember your dahlias will most likely need protection from winter freezes. At first frost cut back your dahlias to about 6 inches. Then put a layer of mulch down. I prefer to not mulch as heavily to prevent rot and pin down a frost cloth.

I hope you enjoy your dahlias as much as I do. And pickup some vases. You will need them if you like to have cut flowers inside throughout the summer!

Katherine