Dahlia is a beautiful and colorful plant, and it’s not surprising that many of us would like to have this joyful blooming in our garden. There are also several types of dahlias. For instance, in the Netherlands, there are perhaps 20,000 varieties of dahlia, so you can be sure that there’ll be a variant that suits the garden and your liking. Here are some tips to help your dahlias bloom beautifully, especially if you’re growing them in pots!
Tip 1: A Summer Lover
Dahlia is a great summer lover. You will not see this plant when the frost is still in the air. The freezing cold will only damage the bulbs. Hence, it is better to grow them when the winter days are gone. The ideal time to grow dahlias is usually in the middle of May. It is the perfect time to plant your dahlia bulbs in a pot and place them outside in the garden or on the balcony. As dahlias do not like low temperatures, they will bloom until the frost returns at the end of the year. Until then, you can enjoy the beautiful flowers for months!
Tip 2: Not Too Much Sun
Although dahlia is a big summer fan, they dislike direct and bright sunshine. To ensure that dahlia is in the perfect condition, it is best to place the plant in an area with morning sun only. This way, the plant still gets some sunshine without being exposed to the hottest rays of the day. When the sun is brighter in the afternoon, it is better to keep the dahlia in the shade. So be mindful about where you place the pots.
Are they are still in the sun in the middle of the afternoon? Then drag the vase to another place in the garden or on the balcony. If you don’t have room for that, you can always consider putting the dahlias inside for a few hours. As long as the pot is next to the open door, this won’t hurt much. Just make sure to put the pot back outside as soon as the sun has gone.
Tip 3: The Right Soil
Fortunately, the dahlia is not very demanding regarding the type of soil. The plant grows well in many soil types, although it is better to choose a nutritious soil that is not extremely firm. This allows the water to reach the bulb well.
We recommend adding some organic fertilizer to the soil to ensure that the plant grows even better and the flowers stand out. Make sure you do not hide the dahlia bulbs too far underground. Dahlia is best planted just below the surface. However, you are supposed to cover the flower bulbs again with some soil. Then water the bulbs a bit more so that they are not too far underground.
Tip 4: Don’t Let Them Dry Out
One of the most important aspects to keep dahlia alive is to make sure it receives enough water. Due to higher temperatures during the summer, the soil dries out more quickly, especially when the plant is also exposed to the sun.
Therefore, water the plant regularly. It’s good to check whether the soil is still damp every day. The soil should be kept slightly moist. Avoid watering too much at once.
Tip 5: Cutting Doesn’t Hurt
Dahlia is a plant that grows for a long time. Soon you will appreciate the beautiful flowers that this plant has to offer. You can enjoy it in the garden or on the balcony, but it can also be grown inside.
As the dahlia is a cut flower, it is effortless to cut it and put it in a pot inside the house. Now you may be thinking: what a shame! However, it is not at all the case. By cutting the flowers, new flowers will grow faster on the plant. In this way, the plant will continue to bloom for much longer, and you can enjoy all the beauty for months.
Also, make sure to cut the dried flowers of the plant regularly. It’s not good if the plant gives energy to a flower that no longer blooms. This energy can be better placed in a new flower.
The more often you cut the flowers, the sooner new buds appear in the plant and the longer you can enjoy the plant. If you start cutting early and do it regularly, the flowers will continue to grow until the frost settles again. With a little luck, you can enjoy the dahlia from May to early November.
Do you grow dahlias in your garden? Share your tips with us in the comments below!
