How to Grow Dahlias in California

Rows of colorful dahlias

Dahlia flowers are hardy and produce masses of colorful blooms. The dahlia is common in California gardens and is noted for its extra-long growing season, which can last more than half the year. In some areas of California, the dahlia can even last for the whole year out of doors. If tomatoes grow well in your garden, dahlias will too.

Things You'll Need

• Dahlia tubers or dahlia plants
• Soil
• Spade
• Compost

Instructions

1. Select dahlia plants based on the colors desired. Dahlias planted in California climates grow well from tubers. You can purchase either the tuber or a plant that has already been started at almost any garden store.

2. 

   Dahlia flowers make a show in the garden.

   Plant dahlia tubers when all danger of frost has passed and it is time to plant tomatoes in the spring. Prepare an area of the garden where the flowers will receive full sun and the soil drainage is good. Prepare the soil by digging down about 12 to 18 inches and mixing compost into the soil.

3. Locate the eye of the dahlia tuber before planting it. The eye is in the center or joint of the tuber and is the point from which the plant grows. Plant the dahlia tubers with the eye facing up about 6 inches deep in the prepared soil. Dahlias tend to grow well and branch out in the temperate California climate, so plant tubers 2 feet apart.

4. 

   Dahlia plants are easy to plant.

   Plant dahlia plants as an alternative to tubers to be one step ahead in the growing process. Dahlia plants grow well out of doors in California in pots or in the ground. Plant in prepared soil, covering the root system with soil and gently tap the soil around the plant. Water well.

5. 

   Dahlia flowers come in many colors.

   Maintain your dahlia plants and tubers by not overwatering, which will encourage root rot. Water dahlias deeply every four days. Plants growing in pots will require more frequent watering. To encourage the plant to produce an even greater abundance of blooms, cut dahlias frequently and place in a vase indoors.

References

• Dahlia Society of California: How To Grow Dahlias
• The American Dahlia Society: Fundamentals of Growing Dahlias
• Dahlia Society of California: Five Simple Steps to Grow Dahlias in the Bay Area

Resources

• UC Berkeley Botanical Garden: Information