How to Fertilize Dinner-Plate Dahlias

Dinner-plate dahlia blooms are 8 to 10 inches in diameter.

The giant dinner-plate dahlia produces 8- to 10-inch blooms atop rich green foliage that reaches a height of 3 feet or more. These impressive flowers range in color from white and pale pastels to bright reds and oranges, as well as variegated. Blooms appear in clusters of three, with one large central bud that has smaller buds on either side. Removing the lateral buds channels the plant's energy into producing one large, showy bloom. Proper fertilizing promotes abundant blooms from midsummer until fall.

Things You'll Need

• 5-10-10 fertilizer
• Garden hoe or rake

Instructions

1. Apply 2 lbs. of 5-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet in early spring before planting. Work this into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil.

2. Fertilize dinner-plate dahlias again when they are approximately 1 foot tall. Spread 1/2 cup of fertilizer around individual plants, creating a 2-foot ring around the base of each. Work the fertilizer into the soil with a hoe or garden rake, using care not to disturb the roots.

3. Repeat the procedure again in the first week of August.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant dinner plate dahlias in an area that receives eight hours of direct sunlight a day.

• Add a two- to three-inch layer of compost or peat moss when preparing the soil and work it into the top six to eight inches. This improves aeration and promotes drainage.

• Stake dahlias at planting time to prevent damaging roots by staking later in the season.

• Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer, as it promotes lush green foliage with few blooms.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension; Growing Dahlias; Paul E. Read; 2009
• University of Arkansas Extension; Summer Care of Perennials, Annuals and Bulbs; Sherri Sanders; July 2008
• Ohio State University Extension; Growing Dahlias; Jack Kerrigan

Resources

• The American Dahlia Society: Fundamentals of Growing Dahlias