Delightful Dahlias

Dahlias, native to Mexico, have delighted gardeners for centuries. The Aztec Indians grew dahlias as early as the fourteenth century. That was then; this is now! Today’s cultivated dahlias offer an extremely wide color range (in variegated forms and solids in white and all shades and tints of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple) and variety of flower types. It’s no wonder dahlias are adored for their late spring through fall flowers.

Always dependable, dahlias are easily grown in containers, window boxes, and urns, in mixed perennial borders, for cut flower gardens, and for bedding purposes. Be sure to plant extra as dahlias make wonderful cut flowers for the home.

Planting Dahlias

Dahlias are happiest when planted in full sun and moist, yet well-drained soil. If planting dahlias in landscape beds and borders, it’s best to amend heavy soils (clay soils) with liberal amounts of compost or composted manure to a depth of 12 inches before you plant. Dahlias prefer a soil pH of 6-6.5. Granular fertilizer should be added at the time of planting, and during the growing season as the label directs. Liquid fertilizers can also be used to keep flowers in bloom mode.

If you’re using dahlias in window boxes, pots, or planters, use potting soil – not garden soil that is too heavy for containers. Add granular fertilizer to the potting soil at the time of planting, and during the growing season as the label directs. Liquid fertilizers can also be used to keep flowers in bloom mode. Remember – moist, well-drained soils and full sun for the best flowering!

Helpful Hints:

            • Remove spent flowers – keeps the plant in bloom mode and picture perfect.

• Pollinators like dahlias so enjoy their presence in the garden.

• Worth repeating – dahlias are great cut flowers for informal bouquets!

Did you know?
All good things do end. Dahlia tubers are not hardy on Long Island and will not overwinter in the garden. If you want to save them, you must dig and store them in a frost-free location.