Dahlia - Karma Maarten Zwaan

There are two ways to go about growing Dahlia tubers: you can either pre-cultivate them or plant them directly in the planting site. If you wish for earlier blooming, we recommend pre-cultivating them, usually around March to April, depending on where you live. Start by lightly moistening the tuber and then plant it in a pot with holes in the bottom. The tuber should be planted about 10 cm below the surface in nutrient-rich planting soil, and once planted, it should be placed in a bright and cool location. Ensure that you water sparingly at the beginning, until you see green shoots emerging from the soil. Dahlias can be planted out when the risk of frost is over. Just like all young plants, dahlias need to be protected from strong spring sun. So let the plant stand for shorter periods in the sun for the first few days so that it can acclimatize!

We recommend to use a fiber cloth if there are cooler nights to be on the safe side.

It is also possible to plant them directly in the planting site, but it's important to watch out for pests such as snails, which tend to quickly devour the young plants.

Dahlias thrive best in a sunny location but can also do well in partial shade. The most important thing is to provide ample room for the roots to grow and ensure the soil is nutrient-rich. If Dahlias are to be planted in pots, we recommend a pot of at least 30 liters or even larger. Tall varieties need support or staking to prevent the stems from breaking. Dahlias are very thirsty flowers that easily dry out, so they need ample but consistent watering. They also require access to liquid fertilizer a few times during the season to continue blooming magnificently until frost arrives.

(ReYellowarly remove all faded Dahlias to promote the growth of new buds. This is also known as deadheading and is crucial if you want healthy plants with many flowers.)