The Complete Guide to Growing Beautiful Dahlias Year After Year
Majestic, vibrant, and endlessly diverse, dahlias stand as one of gardening’s most rewarding treasures. From elegant dinner-plate blooms that command attention to charming pompoms that add whimsy to any garden, these Mexican natives have captivated flower enthusiasts for generations.
Year after year, the dahlia continues to grow in popularity, captivating new admirers while inspiring deeper devotion among longtime fans.
Each growing season brings exciting innovations – bolder colors, more intricate forms, and hardier varieties – keeping interest perpetually renewed and gardeners eagerly anticipating what the next dahlia season will reveal.
The Dependable Flower from Mexico
One of the dahlia’s greatest virtues is its remarkable dependability. Like a well-built engine that continues running despite neglect, dahlias will produce blooms even under less-than-ideal conditions. While the quality and quantity of flowers will always reflect the care given, this resilient plant can be counted on to yield colorful dividends despite obstacles or occasional neglect – a quality that makes it perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
We can thank Mexico for introducing us to the dahlia. When first discovered, all dahlias produced single flowers, but after several years of cultivation in European gardens, double varieties unexpectedly appeared. Since then, dahlias have diversified into numerous forms to suit every taste, from diminutive pompoms and buttons to large, loose peony-flowered types and striking cactus varieties.
Three Methods of Propagation
There are three distinct methods for starting dahlias:
- From Roots (Tubers): The most common and easiest method for home gardeners
- From Cuttings: Used extensively to increase stock of new and desirable varieties, and preferred for commercial production
- From Seeds: Used primarily in the fascinating work of developing new varieties
Growing from Seeds: Creating New Varieties
Growing dahlias from seeds offers an exciting opportunity to develop new varieties. The flowers can be cross-fertilized through artificial means, though many growers simply allow bees to handle this task naturally. When planning for natural cross-pollination, varieties you wish to cross should be planted in close proximity to each other.
While the results of bee pollination are somewhat unpredictable – as we cannot know precisely which pollen has been transferred – you can be assured of interesting developments when growing dahlias from seed.
Planting and Spacing
Dahlias thrive when given adequate space. Plants should be spaced at least 3 feet apart in all directions, though 4 feet is preferable for optimal growth and air circulation. When planting tubers:
- Set the root so that the crown is at least 6 inches below the finished grade of the planting
- Firm the soil around the roots as you gradually fill in the hole while the plant grows
- Install supporting stakes when shoots have grown to about 1 foot in height
Dividing Dahlia Tubers
For best results, divide dahlia tubers in spring rather than fall. This timing allows the tubers to store energy through the winter and reduces the risk of rot or desiccation.
Winter Storage
At season’s end:
- Allow roots to dry thoroughly in the sun before storing
- Label all varieties clearly to avoid confusion in spring
- Store in a cool, dry location using dry sand or sawdust as a medium
- Small quantities of dahlia roots can be stored in a barrel for the winter
Properly stored, dahlia tubers will remain viable for the next growing season, ready to produce another spectacular display of blooms.
With their diverse forms, brilliant colors, and forgiving nature, dahlias reward gardeners with abundant blooms from mid-summer until frost.
If you’re a dedicated collector or a casual gardener, these versatile flowers offer endless possibilities for the garden and cut flower arrangements. These simple guidelines of planting, care, and storage, you can enjoy these magnificent blooms year after year.
