Dahlias 101
Let’s face it: growing dahlias can feel stressful, even to a seasoned veteran! They are such gorgeous flowers, but horror stories of losing tubers to rot or disease seem to be everywhere when you search for instructions!
I’m here to put your mind at ease:
you can grow dahlias, and I am here to help!
pictured here: Dahlia Black Satin
Recently, I asked my Instagram & Facebook folks to join me in a discussion all about dahlias, because so many folks send me questions via email or messenger (by the way, I am always happy to answer questions!) but I thought it would be helpful to have all of this information in one place, easily accessible to everyone, just in case you need it in the future!
After the video discussion was over, I thought of a few topics we didn’t cover that you may be interested in:
Where can I buy dahlia tubers? Big box stores often carry dahlia tubers, but buyer beware: there is a much greater risk of disease from tubers at big box stores. I only purchase my tubers from small business flower farmers because they tend to take great care in giving you a quality product! (because their livelihood depends on it!) Think about it: if a large farm has tubers with disease, it doesn’t effect H0me Depot’s bottom line… but if a small flower farm has disease on one plant, you can bet they will be taking every precaution to protect the rest of their field!
I sell my extra tubers every year in March, so if you want in on that sale, be sure to join the mailing list for updates! I offer local pickup AND shipping within the U.S.
Other small flower farms I love to get tubers from:
River Merle Farm: Hailey grows and breeds new dahlias right here in Olympia, but she ships throughout the U.S. and her tubers are by far the best quality and most beautiful!
Sly Hill Flowers: Karoline has some beautiful tubers and wonderful customer service! (Fun fact: she’s Hailey’s mother in law!)
How can I multiply my dahlias? There are a couple options when it comes to building your stock: you can divide the tubers, (which I go into detail and have a step-by-step video here) or you can take cuttings from your tubers prior to planting (quick video or I made a reel example here)
I just have to say: my husband bought me this phone stand* for taking videos and it has made my life so much easier! Now I can set my phone safely while I show you all what I’m up to! Game changer!
How do I fertilize my dahlias? Generally, I only fertilize my dahlias (and my other flowers) during the first month or two of their growing season. Once my dahlias are 6” tall or so, I give them this fish fertilizer * one time per week (sometimes every 2 weeks, if I forget!). I mix the fish fertilizer in my watering can and water each plant, but remember: you do not water your dahlias before the soil is dry, or before you see greens!! If you notice your dahlias have a lot of dark, leafy growth but aren’t putting on flowers, that means you’ve fertilized too much, so be sure to use moderation. Every 1-2 weeks is plenty!
How do I “pinch” my dahlias? Pinching means you cut the center stem in order to encourage more branching (branching means more flowers per plant!). Wait until your plant is about 12-18” tall, with 4-5 sets of leaves on it, then cut the center stem down (maybe taking off 2 sets of leaves, sometimes more!). Don’t be afraid to give it a good, deep cut: young plants will recover and sprout long stems from the base! Some folks will pinch with their thumb nail but I prefer to use some small snips like these * to be accurate and make a clean cut. I only pinch my dahlias once, then I let them go!
Sometimes, center varieties bloom later/grow slower, and I don’t bother pinching them. It’s not necessary!
When do I harvest dahlia flowers? Dahlias don’t continue to open much after they are cut, so you’ll want to cut them when they are 75% open or more. But keep an eye on the back of the flower: when petals are completely curled around or falling off the back/turning brown on the back, that flower is just past it’s prime and won’t last quite as long in the vase. Cut it off and watch a new bloom emerge!
(Be sure you keep your snippers * clean: most diseases that affect dahlias can be spread plant to plant via your snippers! Dip your snips in a 5-10% bleach solution * between plants to play it safe!)
Can I use dahlias in wedding work? YES. Dahlias are one of my favorite to put in hand-held bouquets, but there is a caveat: the sturdier forms of dahlias (think compact petals like Linda’s Baby or Tempest) are much more tolerant of being bumped and squished, vs. the fragile frilly petals of Cafe Au Lait or Bride to Be.) When I am going to have flowers out of water (such as in a bride’s hand) I harvest between 24 - 48 hours ahead of time and use this Quick Dip * to help them hydrate.
There are always more topics to delve into when it comes to dahlias, but for now: watch the video below! (and please: share with your friends, click like, and subscribe to my YouTube channel. It helps them grow a healthy garden and it helps me reach more flower loving folks!) Hopefully it’s helpful, but if there is any information missing, leave me a comment and I will get back to you ASAP!
Not quite ready to grow your own, but you’d love to cut some dahlias for your own table? Join us at our U Pick during the summer months!
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