What is a Dahlia? Why will you fall in love with them? How do you take care of them? We will answer ALL of your burning questions.
Let’s break it down.
What Even Is a Dahlia?
Dahlias grow from tubers (they look kind of like potatoes).
You plant them in spring, they grow all summer, and by mid-to-late summer they start flowering and don’t quit until frost. Yipee!
And they grow in so many colors, shapes and sizes. Everything from little tiny pom-poms to dinner-plate sized blooms bigger than your face.
When to Plant
Dahlias are not fans of cold soil. Plant tubers after your last frost. The soil should be warm. 60 degrees if possible (think: you’re comfortable without a jacket)
If you plant too early, they’ll just sit there. Or worse, turn to mush…. Sad!
Where They Thrive
Dahlias are sun worshippers. 6–8 hours of full sun is ideal. More sun = more blooms (this is a direct correlation and we love that for you)
They also prefer a spot with good airflow and well-draining soil. No soggy feet, please!
How to Plant
The KISS method: Keep it simple, silly:
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Dig a hole about 4–6 inches deep
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Lay the tuber horizontally
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Cover with soil and… wait
Pro tip: Don’t water right away. Wait until you see them sprouting.
Water + Food = Happy Plants
Dahlias are pretty chill, but they do have two main requests:
1. Consistent waterings
They’re thirsty, but not chaotic thirsty. Aim for consistent deep waterings 2-3 times per week. You want about 1 inch of water per week. Remember to water at the base, not overhead (they’re not into wet leaves) If the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water. Growing in grow bags? You may want to water every day.
2. Regular feeding
We like to fertilize dahlias at planting time. Think of it as “Welcome, here’s a snack!”. Then once they’re established, it’s time for their main meal. We invented a fantastic one that is specific for Dahlias. Click HERE to check it out.
Think of it as food for blooms.
To Pinch or Not to Pinch
Let’s talk about pinching, aka the thing everyone says you have to do. We’re going to let you in on a little secret: You don’t have to pinch your dahlias.
There, we said it.
You can absolutely pinch…OR you can just cut the first flower deeply and get the same result. So if you forget it, skip it, or just don’t feel like it? Don’t stress. Just cut your first blooms like you mean it.
Support Them
Some dahlias get tall. Like… surprisingly tall. Add stakes or support WHEN YOU PLANT THEM so you’re not trying to wrangle a top-heavy plant mid-season. Trust us, we’ve done it.
Cutting = More Blooms
Here’s your permission slip to cut flowers often. The more you harvest, the more the plant produces.
So go ahead: Make bouquets! Give them away! Or, keep them all for yourself….We don’t judge!
What Happens at the End of the Season?
This is where things vary depending on how/where you grow.
If you’re planting in the ground and live somewhere cold, you’ll likely need to dig up and store your tubers for winter.
When frost hits, your dahlias will look…dramatic. Leaves turn black, stems collapse, everything screams “I’m done” but they’re not dead-dead. The tubers underground are still very much alive.
If you’re in a warmer zone where the ground doesn’t freeze, you can leave your tubers right where they are.
But if you planted in containers or grow bags?
You just unlocked the easy route: Move the whole container or bag into a protected space (garage, basement, shed). One that doesn’t freeze. THAT’S IT! It’s one of our favorite dahlia “shortcuts.”
Final Thoughts
Dahlias look fancy but they have pretty basic needs.
Give them plenty of sun, good soil, and a little attention, and they’ll amaze you.
And fair warning: Your first year growing dahlias may lead to a second year growing more dahlias. It happens fast.
