PLANTING DAHLIAS STRAIGHT INTO THE GROUND

Please note: Dahlias are tender tubers therefore should not be planted outside until all danger of frosts are gone. 

Dahlias are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and situations but perform best in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Prepare a hole deep enough and wide enough (10-15Ccm) to accommodate your tubers, like an outstretched hand. In the base of the hole add composted manure or a rich compost.  Water in the hole well before positioning and planting. Dahlias dislike waterlogged heavy soil so be sure to add some grit to the planting hole if you have a heavy soil.

Providing support is crucial for taller varieties to prevent the stems getting weighed down by the blooms & collapsing or damaged by wind and heavy rain.  Putting the support in before the plant grows will protect the tuber being stabbed or damaged if done so later. There are many ways of creating stakes; with hazel pollard, pruned-off branches, woven willow, bent or straight iron canes, bamboo and wooden canes with twine crossed at several levels.  Have a look online to find some creative ideas.

Water and feed your plants 1 week after planting (adding an organic potash or organic seaweed feed and continue with this process thereafter each fortnight.  (They will need extra watering during drought or more regular water if rain fall is low.)

All dahlias are loved by slugs so keep a watchful eye, and use grit or shell around their base on the soil surface. They are also much loved by earwigs - which can be helped by stuffing hay into flower pots and turned upside down and placed on bamboo canes...the earwigs love the heat and cosy beds...you can empty the pots each evening to a safer part of the garden away from your precious dahlias.

As your dahlias grow, pinch outside growth to promote bushiness. See TOPPING, PRUNING & TRAINING for more information.

To keep your blooms coming till the first frost, deadhead or cut regularly.

Remember to increase the watering as the plant grows, ideally you should be watering 1-2 times per week when they are in flower.