Dahlias: Easy to Grow, Beautiful in a Vase

 

Gorgeous, colorful, amazing shapes and sizes, those are just a few of the words describing the versatile dahlia. Known for their abundance of blooms and beauty in the garden, they are also wonderful cut flowers. Dahlias are easy to grow, and with a few simple pointers, you can enjoy beautiful bouquets in your home all summer long.

 

* Plant in a sunny, well drained area when the ground temperature is about 55 degrees.

 

* Soil should be well tilled, and a small handful of bone meal added at planting.

 

* Do not water after planting (hot climates are the exception to this). Let the roots develop, and sprouts appear above ground before beginning water programs.

 

* Fertilize once about 4 weeks after planting, or when sprouts are about 2” above the ground, and again about 4 weeks later. Use a low nitrogen tomato or all purpose vegetable fertilizer.

 

 

 

First, select a sunny spot that receives sunlight all day, and that drains well. The exception would be hot climates, then morning sun, and afternoon shade is acceptable. Time to plant is in the spring, but wait until the ground temperature is warm. Remember, less sun equals taller plants and less bloom. 

 

Plant tubers 4 to 6 inches deep in soil that is well tilled. A small handful of bonemeal mixed in with the soil at planting is recommended. DO NOT WATER the tubers after planting. The spring rains and natural moisture in the soil is all the dampness dahlias need to get started properly. Additional watering will only rot the tubers before they have a chance to set roots.

 

Dahlias require very little fertilizing, and if you over fertilize, you will get lots of green plant and smaller blooms. Apply an all purpose tomato or vegetable fertilizer (first number should be 10 or less) about 4 weeks after planting, or after sprouts are up about 2 inches, and then again in about 30 days. That’s it! 

 

Water regularly AFTER sprouts are about 2” above the ground, and then only as needed. Once weather becomes dry in the summer months, it is essential that you water deeply 2 to 3 times a week. 30 to 45 minutes with a sprinkler will do the trick. Hand watering with a garden hose is NOT sufficient as the water will mostly run off and not penetrate the soil deeply enough to reach the roots.

 

Weed control should be done by hand, there is no exception to this rule. Do not use chemical weed retardants or herbicides, they will kill the dahlia plants.

 

Now the fun begins. It is the first week of August, and most all your dahlia plants should be showing their first blooms. Time to enjoy all those gorgeous blooms in the garden as well as in your home. Arrangements are most interesting and attractive when more than 1 type of bloom is used. The most popular type is waterlily, and when arranged with cactus or decorative types the end results are stunning. Novelty and Orchid types are beautiful also, but usually do not hold as well. Here are a few tips for beautiful, long lasting dahlia arrangements. The trick is in the hot water treatment. 

 

First, cut the dahlia blooms in the morning when it’s cool.

 

Place cut stems in a plastic or metal bucket with 3 inches of HOT water. (water temperature should be around 160 to 180 degrees) You can add a teaspoon of cut bloom food in the hot water if you wish. Allow cut stems to cool in the water at least 1 hour or until water is cool. This sets the blooms, and the petals should feel firmer. You do not need to repeat this step, it is a one time treatment.

 

Arrange your blooms! Use cool water in your vases, and a bit of bloom food if you wish. Be sure to change the water daily to avoid bacteria build up. This will also help your arrangements last longer. Dahlias are prolific bloomers, so you can share your flowers with friends and neighbors. With these few simple steps, you can enjoy your blooms indoors and out throughout summer and fall.