Dahlia - Nicholas

There are two routes to take when it comes to growing dahlia tubers, either you pre-cultivate them or you plant them directly in the growing area. If you want earlier flowering, we recommend pre-cultivating them sometime around March-April, depending on where you live. Start by showering the tuber lightly and then place it in a growing pot that has holes in the bottom. The tuber should be planted about 10 cm below the soil surface in nutrient-rich planting soil and when it is planted, it wants to stand bright and cool. Be sure to water very sparingly at first, right up until you see green shoots starting to emerge from the soil. Planting out dahlias takes place after hardening off and when the risk of frost is completely over. A small tip is to use a fiber cloth if there are slightly cooler nights to be on the safe side.

It is also possible to plant them directly on the planting site, but then it is important to keep an eye out for pests such as snails, 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 get a lot of space for the roots to grow on and that the soil is rich in nutrients. If the dahlia is to be planted in a pot, we recommend that it be at least 30 liters and preferably larger than that. Tall-growing varieties need plant support or tied 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 to continue thriving and blooming magnificently until the frost comes. Clear away any overblooming dahlias regularly to encourage the growth of new buds. This is also called deadheading and is super important if you want nice plants with lots of flowers.