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Philosophy
We'd really like to encourage you to grow and enjoy beautiful dahlias. You can make planting
and growing dahlias as difficult as you see fit. However, if you only remember one point, it is
this: Dahlias are a case where you should put a five-dollar tuber in a twenty-dollar hole. This
simply means preparing the soil properly before planting the dahlia tuber. It's never expected
that one gardener will follow the same methods as another. As flower farmers we don't always
follow the growing system we put forward here. We're constantly adapting to changes in our
soil, the weather, equipment, and other factors. Thus, we find we're forever evolving as
growers. The general principles of growing dahlias should, however, remain logical even
though some of the particulars may change.
When and Where to Plant
Dahlia tubers should be planted in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. They're
usually planted the same time as you'd plant your vegetable garden. This is usually mid-April
through May. Dahlias should be planted in full sun except in areas of extremely hot climates. In
that case, the dahlias only require morning sun. The tubers should be planted horizontally, eyes
pointing up, 6 inches deep and 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.
I recommend 40 to 50 percent shade cloth
and raised beds for hot,
humid sections of the country --
Example:
Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama. Also, the dahlia grower
should focus on smaller sized cultivators and avoid getting blooms during
the hottest part of summer. With higher soil temperatures, the dahlias will need extra nitrogen.
Fungus will be a big problem as well. Information gleaned from Alan A. Fisher,
American Dahlia Society
Soil Preparation
You may wish to enrich the soil to a depth of 12 inches with bone meal, and a 10-20-20 fertilizer.
You may also want to consider having your soil tested by the local Agriculture Department. The
pH level should be slightly acidic 6.5 to 7.0.
Staking
Place stakes with tubers for the tall-growing varieties at the time of planting to prevent
impaling them later. We recommend a 6 to 8 foot tall stake either 1x1 lumber, half-inch steel
rebar (painted to prevent rust), or the green metal fence stakes available at the local
hardware store. Dahlia plants usually grow quickly, and disguise the relative unattractiveness
of these stakes.
Watering
Make sure dahlias receive at least 1 inch of water per week after planting. Most areas receive
enough rain to meet this requirement. However, here in the Midwest that isn't always the case.
And, if we don't water them, who's going to? Hand watering isn't going to be enough. A deep
watering 2 to 3 times per week is required once the dahlias are established. During the heat of
the summer in hotter climates, it will be necessary to water more frequently.