How to Grow Dahlias

Dahlias are a gorgeous, showy flower that come in countless varieties. Although they can be grown from cuttings or seedlings, most dahlias are grown from tubers. They are a beautiful addition to any garden, and are fairly easy to grow if a few simple steps are followed. Read on to find out how to create your own dahlia garden.

Things You'll Need

• Dahlia tubers
• Fertilizer
• Bonemeal
• Compost
• Garden stakes
• Pest repellent

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of dahlia you'd like to grow. They come in countless shapes and colors, ranging in size from 12 inches tall to 6 to 8 feet tall. Buy fresh, healthy tubers from a reputable garden center for the best results.

2. Choose a spot in your garden for dahlias. Dahlias thrive in fertile, well-drained soil, and they need a lot of direct sunlight.

3. Prepare the soil for your dahlia tubers. Dig a hole the size that is recommended for your tuber and mix in some compost, bonemeal and fertilizer.

4. Add the dahlia tuber to the prepared hole, with the eye of the tuber facing up. Cover the tuber the recommended depth with more soil mixed with compost and fertilizer. If your dahlias are a large or tall variety, add a stake when you are covering up the tuber.

5. Water thoroughly.

6. When the first sprout appears, feed it heavily with a water soluble fertilizer appropriate for blooms.

7. As the sprout grows, continue to feed and water it. Also, tie it to the stake if it is necessary.

8. Protect the dahlia shoots from slugs and snails with a pest repellent.

9. After the plant has developed several sets of bushy leaves, pinch off the top of the plant. This will encourage a strong plant with many blooms.

10. When the plant has reached about 12 inches, it is important to cultivate more fertilizer into the top layer of soil. At this stage and through the blooming stage, feed your dahlias fertilizer weekly to encourage growth and beautiful blooms.

11. As your dahlia plants approach blooming time, they will only need water about once a week.

12. While your dahlias are blooming, water them frequently. Also continue to be vigilant with pest control.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are ready to harvest your blooms for use as cut flowers, cut them early in the morning as they are just opening.

• Do not plant your dahlia tubers until the danger of frost has passed.