{"id":1947,"date":"2024-06-29T12:32:13","date_gmt":"2024-06-29T12:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/?p=1947"},"modified":"2024-06-29T12:33:45","modified_gmt":"2024-06-29T12:33:45","slug":"how-to-grow-dahlia-plants-lasting-color","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demolinks2.com\/nina-melillo\/how-to-grow-dahlia-plants-lasting-color\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Dahlia Plants \u2013 Lasting Color"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1719663121136{padding-right: 100px !important;padding-left: 150px !important;}” woodmart_css_id=”667ff99d7ff02″ responsive_spacing=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoid29vZG1hcnRfcmVzcG9uc2l2ZV9zcGFjaW5nIiwic2VsZWN0b3JfaWQiOiI2NjdmZjk5ZDdmZjAyIiwic2hvcnRjb2RlIjoidmNfc2VjdGlvbiIsImRhdGEiOnsidGFibGV0Ijp7fSwibW9iaWxlIjp7fX19″ mobile_bg_img_hidden=”no” tablet_bg_img_hidden=”no” woodmart_parallax=”0″ woodmart_gradient_switch=”no” woodmart_box_shadow=”no” wd_z_index=”no” woodmart_disable_overflow=”0″][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″]\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″]\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Dahlias add continuous color to any sunny garden. There are thousands of cultivars (varieties) to choose from. You can find them in almost every color, and the blooms range from discs to rays to multiple petalled pompoms. Dahlias make wonderful cut flowers and have a long staying power in vases. They bloom profusely from July until the first frost, sometimes even into December if you live in a mild region. Read on to learn how to grow dahlia plants and make your yard a sea of lasting color.<\/p>\n

(Some of the links within this post are affiliate links on which I receive a small compensation from the sale of certain items with no extra cost to you.)<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t\t

\n\t\t\t

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Quick Facts About Dahlias<\/h2>\n

1. A dahlia is a perennial in zones 8 and warmer and can stay outside over the winter. If you live in a cooler zone, 7 or below, the dahlias will have to be dug up at the end of the season.<\/p>\n

2. Dahlias grow from tubers, which are swollen portions of underground stems, or rhizomes that grow laterally or horizontally. Each produce \u201ceyes\u201d, similar to potatoes, from which the plants grow.<\/p>\n

3. They quickly multiply. By the end of the season each tuber may produce around 10 baby plants.<\/p>\n

4. Dahlias bloom in almost every color, from white to bright yellow, deep orange, warm reds and maroons, and rich purples.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

5. Unfortunately, dahlias do not have a scent but they have a velvety texture and a mildly sweet flavor with spiced overtones. They have been used in recipes such as quesadilla packets with dahlias<\/a>. For a more in-depth description of dahlias\u2019 nutritional value, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Their stems are hollow, which allows them to soak up and retain plenty of water during droughts. They are 80% water.<\/p>\n

7. Dahlias range from 15 inches to more than 6 feet tall.<\/p>\n

8. Some dahlia blossoms are less than 2 inches in diameter. Conversely, the dinner plate or giant dahlia blossom can grow to more than 10 inches in diameter.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Choosing Your Plants<\/h2>\n

You can purchase dahlias in the tuberous form, as a small plant, or as seeds. The most economical way is to purchase and grow the plant from seeds. The most expensive purchase is to buy the already established plant. I will discuss the purchase and planting of dahlias in the tuberous form.<\/p>\n

When selecting your dahlias, make sure the tubers are firm, not sitting in water or spongy, and clear of any mold or mildew. If you receive them by mail, open them immediately and check to see if they look healthy.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Soil Preparation and Requirements<\/h2>\n

Soil Type<\/span><\/h3>\n

Good soil is key. Dahlia tubers thrive on loose, well-drained, nutrient rich, loamy soil. The rich soil feeds the tubers and encourages good root growth. This soil must be well-draining because the tubers will rot if they rest in standing, moist, soil.<\/p>\n

Amend the soil with some organic compost (look at the package for correct amounts). Till it into the soil with a pitch fork to about one foot deep to allow the roots to spread and to improve drainage.<\/p>\n

Fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Once the plant has sprouted (about 3 to 4 weeks after planting), add organic fertilizer (5-10-10) to the soil that is low in nitrogen (follow instructions on package). This type of fertilizer will encourage blooms and prevent excessive leafy growth. After the first application of fertilizer repeat every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the season.<\/p>\n

If there is extreme heat and the plants become stressed, fertilize more frequently. The plant absorbs the fertilizer more quickly under these circumstances.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Berms<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you have clay soil which is very dense, or dry, compact soil, you will want to plant the dahlias in a berm made of rich soil full of nutrients. Since a berm is elevated and created with well-draining soil, the tubers will not rot as they would if the soil was nonporous.<\/p>\n

===<<\/strong>Shop Dahlia Tubers at Etsy<\/strong><\/a>>===<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Planting the Tubers<\/h2>\n

Timing\/ When to Plant<\/span><\/h3>\n

Plant the tubers when the ground has warmed to around 60 degrees F or the air temperature does not drop below 50 degrees F during the night and day. A good rule of thumb is to plant them when you plant tomatoes outside.<\/p>\n

You can also plant them inside before the warmer season begins. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep and the type of soil described above. Transfer them outside into the soil after the last possibility of a frost.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Spacing<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are many varieties of dahlias. Knowing the size of the dahlia is key to knowing how many tubers to plant in a square foot of soil.<\/p>\n

Once you have checked the package for the size dahlia you have purchased, follow the general rule below:<\/p>\n