Dahlia - Sam Hopkins

There are two ways to go when it comes to growing Dahlia tubers, either you pre-cultivate them or you plant them directly on the site. If you want earlier flowering, we recommend pre-cultivating them sometime around March-April depending on where you live. Start by lightly showering the tuber and then place it in a growing pot with a hole in the bottom. The tuber should be planted about 10 cm below the soil surface in nutrient-rich potting soil and once planted, it will want to be in a bright, cool position. Make sure to water very sparingly at first, until you see green shoots starting to emerge from the soil. Dahlias are planted out after they have hardened off and when the risk of frost is completely over. A little tip is to use a non-woven fabric if there are some chilly nights to be on the safe side.

They can also be planted directly on the site, but it is important to keep an eye out for pests such as slugs, which like to munch on the small plants quickly.

Dahlias thrive best in a sunny position but can also thrive in partial shade. The most important thing is that they have plenty of room for their roots to grow and that the soil is nutritious. If the dahlia is to be planted in a pot, we recommend that it is at least 30 liters and preferably larger than that. Tall-growing varieties need plant support or tying up to prevent the stems from breaking. Dahlias are very thirsty flowers that dry out easily and therefore need abundant but even watering. They also need access to liquid nutrition a few times during the season in order to continue to thrive and flower magnificently until the frost comes. Clear away any overflowering dahlias regularly to promote the growth of new buds. This is also called deadheading and is super important if you want nice plants with lots of flowers.