Dahlias are the exuberance of a fall garden. Planted in mid April, then mostly forgotten, they show up and show off when both the borders and the gardener need a boost! Mixed with other fall bloomers that could include sneezeweed, mountain mint, gaura, Joe Pye weed, rudbeckia, and anemones, dahlias take ordinary borders and make them extraordinary. And they’re pretty much pest- and trouble-free. (Jury is mixed on whether they serve as deer food. Let us know what you experience!)
Types of Dahlias
For a description of each type of dahlia, check out this quick read from the American Dahlia Society. Listed below are the more recognizable forms of dahlias:
- Anemone
- Ball or Pom Pom
- Border
- Cactus and Semi-cactus
- Decorative
- Dinnerplate
- Mignon
- Waterlily
Planting Dahlias
Dahlias are hardy in zones 8 to 10. B.B. Barns sells dahlia tubers in spring when it’s time to plant. Dahlias are not part of your fall bulb planting. In our WNC area, dahlias are considered tender perennial or summer bulbs. The tubers look like potato tubers, except dahlias only have eyes at the stem end of the tuber.
- Plant dahlias in mid April to early May, when the soil and air temperatures are warmer (60°).
- Plant new tubers one to two inches deep with one inch of soil covering the sprouting tip.
- Plant in full sun with good drainage and a pH of 6.5 to 7.
- Plant taller varieties away from windy areas and where providing support will be easy. Use flower rings, stakes, or plant them near fences where stems can lean or be tied.
- Fertilize with low nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) a month after planting, then monthly after that. Do not overfeed.
- Dig tubers up in the fall. Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America, and while they will survive a mild winter here, they won’t survive a harsh one. Dig them up gently with a pitchfork and shake all the soil loose. Store in newspaper, sawdust, or peat moss in a dry place for the winter. Douse with a bit of water once a month to avoid shriveling.
Growing Dahlias
- Don’t over-water. Like bulbs, tubers need good drainage. Over-watering and poor drainage can cause bacterial or fungal problems in the soil. If the plant wilts, dig it up and discard the entire plant.
- Borers and aphids are sometimes a problem. For aphids, neem oil works well. For borers, cut off infected stems and destroy them.
- Always keep dahlias weeded. They don’t like competition.
Saving Your Dalias To Enjoy Next Year
It’s easy to save your tubers and re-plant them next spring! Here are instructions on how to safely store your dahlia tubers over the winter.
More Information on Dahlias
It’s also easy to fall in love with dahlias! Here are more resources to explore… And you’re always welcome to come in and see us; we’re dahlia lovers as well!
