Dahlia Planting Guide // How to Plant, Grow, & Harvest Gorgeous Dahlia Flowers // Longfield Gardens

Описание: This dahlia planting guide will show you how to plant, grow, and harvest gorgeous dahlia flowers. Dahlias can be grown in hardiness zones 3-11, and in zones 8-11 the tubers may be left in the ground year-round.

Dahlia tubers should be planted after all danger of frost has past and the soil has warmed to 60 degrees F. Plant the tubers in full sun and loose, rich, well-draining soil. Before planting, add a generous 2-3 inch layer of compost into the bed. Next, dig a hole that is 4-6 inches deep and place the tuber in the hole with the eye of the tuber facing upwards, and then cover it with soil.

Taller dahlia varieties will need to be staked to support the stems and flowers as they grow. Place a strong 5-6 foot stake near the tuber, and as the plant grows use twine to tie the stems to the stake every 12-18 inches.

Don't water the tubers upon planting. The plants have no roots at this time, and watering immediately after planting can cause the tubers to rot before they are able to grow roots and sprout. It’s fine if it rains, but no additional watering is necessary until you see the green sprouts emerge from the ground.

Once you see green growth emerge, you can start to water your dahlias. Give them a weekly soak of 1-2 inches of water if the weather does not provide it naturally. In the extreme heat of summer biweekly watering may be necessary. Your watering needs will vary based on location, weather, and soil.

Once the plants have 3-4 sets of leaves, pinch off the top of the plant off right above a set of leaves. This pinch will cause the plant to send up multiple stems from below the cut, which will result in more flowering stems and a bushier plant.

Once midsummer arrives your dahlias will be in full glorious bloom. Keep them producing loads of flowers by deadheading spent blooms regularly, or cut bunches of blooms to bring inside and enjoy. Dahlias are truly a cut and come again flower. The more you cut the more they come!