5 dahlia growing tips in 5 minutes

Today at the flower farm we are going over our top five tips for growing dahlias as a cut flower! We grow around 1,000 dahlias every year at the farm, so we wanted to share some of the things we've learned along the way! If you'd rather read than watch, here you go!

5 DAHLIA GROWING TIPS
#5: Select the right varieties! Make sure you're checking on height of the dahlias you select if you are going to be using them for a cutting garden. Selecting dahlias that are too short will result in less than ideal cuts, as you want those nice long stemmed dahlias for bouquets and vases!

#4: Plan for support! These taller dahlias tend to get top heavy, especially once filled with blooms. Heavy rains or winds can easily knock them over. We like to stake some horizontal netting such as hortonova or jute netting about 18" off the ground, and also use a secondary support twine around the higher part of the dahlia for added support! You can use hoops or t-posts for this in the garden.

#2: Don't overfertilize! Dahlias are quite sensitive to excessive nitrogen and will reward you with lots of big leaves and bushy plants...with no dahlias! To avoid this, don't overfertilize your soil. And be sure to do a soils test for excess phosphorus before applying bloom fertilizers which may overload your soil with unnecessary nutrients! Remember, healthy soil starts with the soil life, and too many synthetic fertilizers are detrimental to that.

#1: Watch your moisture levels! Dahlias much prefer a well-draining soil, so if you have heavier soil you will need to adjust your watering so that they don't get waterlogged and rot! We also only water once at planting time and then not again until after they have a couple sets of leaves. Most tubers have moisture stored within them that can sustain the plant for a while, so err on the side of too dry instead of too wet to avoid rot problems!

We wrap up with some quick info about cutting, vase life tips, and whether or not to dig up your dahlias in the fall!

[shanlynwebb]

I’ve been putting a band of Vaseline around top stem of dahlias to prevent earwig and caterpillar damage. It works very well 😊 no need for bags.

[JA]

Best video on dahlias : I just purchased my first and I needed this instructional video. Thank you

[lenavoyles]

This is the first time I’ve heard anyone mention that they are native to Mexico. Super helpful to know!

[essentialcomforts]

In oregon my friend had beautiful dahlia beds. Instead of digging them up, she would dump deep mess of mulch on top and them uncover them in spring.

[gardenfunwithjane]

Great video! I learned a lot and I've been growing dahlias for more than five years thank you!

[jimkingsland]

Thank you for the great tips. As always, your thorough explanations of the whys and close up demonstrations of the hows are very useful and informative. Looking forward to more Dahlia vids!

[kangtani_indonesia]

Very useful tips for caring for Dahlia flowers, thank you

[patriciavincent]

Thank you for the information on Neonics used to treat a lot of commercially grown dahlia bulbs. One more reason to buy from organic growers. Thank you

[LINativePlantConservation]

thank you!! so helpful. i just bought tubers for the first timeever, will grow in spring, thank you!! learning all i can to keep these beauties at their best

[nicolerosenbaum]

Your flowers and farm are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!

[rogehnimunoz]

Thank you for your tips. I learned a lot from you. God bless.

[WhoRescuesWho]

I am enjoying your videos. Thanks k you. Can you provide some details on your hoop and net system? Links or key words for searching for a great solution and height for 4-5’ dahlias. I am starting off with 75 tubers this year. Looking for a proper setup to kick off this venture/hobby. Thank you!

[simplyaliya]

Great video. Can you do a tour of the names of your dahlias. Thanks

[brad]

What's regular watering maam ? When the topsoil is dry or what is the best timing.

[Joanweer]

Thank u for this content!! It helped me a lot ❤ but I still have a little doubt, if I can ask you… so.. I planted dahlias in spring without knowing they had bulbs! In fall the plant died and in winter I found out the bulbs. Now these are huge, beautiful and no rotted at all. Probably because winter in my zone is not so cold.
So, if the bulbs are perfect there are good chances that they will produce new foliage this spring right?? I’m a little impatient 😢

Thank u once again ❤

[Aehaze]

Recommendations for insect repellent that’s safe for the Dahlias? I’m having issues with them eating mine. I’ve read that some plants can help prevent them but I don’t have much room for growth where I have mine planted.

Also, having a couple plants where the foliage (leaves) appear stunted and not bushy like my other plants. the stems shoot higher above them and are blooming. The foliage just appears to be struggling.

[alicjamarczak]

Can cattle manure (pellet form) be good as alfalfa’s pellet? Watched so many videos. This channel is best! Starting an adventure with Dallas soon

[bravo]

I am growing dahlias for the first time this year. Everything was going well. I got buds on my dinner plate dahlias and then a squirrel decides to break one of the stalks with many buds on it. Anyway for me to save the stalk and have the buds flower? Will the stem take root if I placed it in soil or water?

[Nickywigs]

THANK YOU 🙏🏽.
I uprooted my Dahlias from last year2022.
How can I replant them?

[backyardrailroader]

That is may issue is support. I have posts up to hold them up. Any suggestions woukd be welcome.