The dahlia is a beloved and popular flower available in many colors and forms. It made its magnificent entrance in the early 1800s and is now present in gardens around the world. Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family of composite flowers, and currently, there are more than 50,000 registered varieties.
In addition to being known for its enchanting appearance, the dahlia is also a highly praised and popular cut flower. With its magical and varied appearance, this stunning flower can enhance any bouquet. There is something truly special about dahlias, and once you start growing them, it's hard to stop. A magnificent summer favorite at Florea, they are a recurring guest in our gardens every year.
There are two approaches to cultivating dahlia tubers: either you pre-cultivate them or plant them directly in the growing area. If you desire earlier blooming, we recommend pre-cultivating them around March-April, depending on your location. Start by lightly showering the tuber and then planting it about 10 cm below the soil surface in nutrient-rich planting soil. After planting, it should be placed in a bright and cool location. Ensure you water sparingly at the beginning until you see green shoots emerging from the soil. Transplanting dahlias occurs after hardening off and when the risk of frost is completely over. A little tip is to use a fabric cover if there are cooler nights to be on the safe side.
It is also possible to plant them directly in the growing area, but it's important to watch out for pests such as snails that tend to snack on the small plants quickly.
Dahlias thrive best in a sunny location but can also tolerate partial shade. The crucial factor is that they have plenty of space for the roots to grow, and the soil is nutrient-rich. If planting in a container, we recommend a minimum of a 30-liter pot, preferably larger. Tall varieties need support or should be tied up to prevent stalks from breaking. Dahlias are very thirsty flowers that easily dry out, so they need abundant but consistent watering. They also require access to liquid fertilizer several times during the season to continue flourishing and blooming splendidly until frost arrives. Regularly 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.
Unfortunately, it's not just humans who love dahlias. Not surprising, perhaps, considering they are among the world's most beautiful flowers, right? Snails, aphids, and earwigs are some of the pests particularly fond of dahlias. Fortunately, there are many good tips and recommendations for both preventing and combating pest attacks on dahlias.
Dahlias bloom magnificently from mid-summer until the first substantial frosty night eventually takes them. Then it's time to dig up the tubers from the soil and prepare them for rest and winter storage. After lifting the tubers, cut the stems low on the plant, about a decimeter up. Often, a slightly stronger tool such as pruning shears is needed for this. Shake off most of the soil, and trim away long roots. Discard tubers that have started to rot. Don't forget to label the tubers if you want to distinguish between different varieties. Store the tubers in a dark and cool place; the ideal winter storage temperature for a dahlia is around 5°C. Then, just enjoy the winter and count down the days until next year's eagerly anticipated dahlia season.
