How to Grow Dahlias in Maryland

Dahlias typically thrive in the blazing Maryland sun.

With mild springs and relatively hot summers, Maryland is an ideal location in which to grow dahlias. Dahlias are warm-weather-loving plants that thrive in the sun. Maryland has plenty of both heat and sun for the plants to absorb. Taking care of dahlias in Maryland is not much different than taking care of dahlias in other states: As long as you provide the requirements dahlias need, such as food, water and sun, they will likely flourish.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Large containers
• Potting soil
• Wooden poles or metal rods
• Floral wire or thin twine
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Find a location that receives at least 8 to 10 hours of direct or slightly filtered sunlight. If you intend to plant your dahlias in the ground, the soil should be well drained, cultivated and rich in humus. Maryland soil differs greatly in its ingredients. For instance, soil rich in clay or sand is common in this Eastern state. If you feel your soil doesn't have the right components for growing dahlias, build raised beds and use potting soil as your medium.

2. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep with a shovel. Place the dahlia tuber inside and then cover it with about 2 inches of soil. If you are planting your dahlias in the ground, space your tubers about 3 feet apart from each other -- if your dahlia is a large variety -- and 1 to 2 feet apart if it is small. Adequate garden space will give your dahlias plenty of room to grow.

3. Plant your dahlia tubers in large containers that will hold at least 12 to 14 inches of potting soil, if you wish to plant them in pots instead of the ground. Dig a hole about 6 inches deep in each and place the tubers inside. Cover the tubers with about 2 inches of soil.

4. Water your dahlias when the soil is dry. Typically, water dahlias in sandy soil every three to five days, whereas dahlias in thick, heavy soil should receive moisture every seven to 10. However, Maryland can become quite hot during July and August; this can increase your dahlia's water needs. If the petals or leaves become dry or wilted, water your dahlias more often.

5. Stake your dahlias to keep them standing upright. Place wooden poles or metal rods next to the flowers and attach them to the stakes by tying flower wire or thin twine around them.

6. Fertilize your dahlias when they are about 6 to 8 inches tall and have three or four pairs of leaves on them. Use water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer and add it to the soil once every three to four weeks until one month before it may frost. The first frost in Maryland usually occurs in either October or November.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your dahlias in the shade for a few hours each day when the Maryland temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing so will contribute to the quality of the blooms and prevent their colors from fading.

• Do not plant your tubers until the temperature of the first 6 inches of soil is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Corralitos Gardens: Useful Dahlia Growing Info and Examples of Dahlia Forms
• PlantIdeas.com: Dahlias