DAHLIA PLANTING GUIDE

Dahlias are the sunshine lovers of the garden and need at least 6 hours of sun each day to bloom their best! They’re not fans of the cold, so wait until the soil warms up to over 15°c and all frost danger has passed before planting. Usually after labour weekend is the safest time to plant but make sure the weather isn’t forecast for lots of rain as this could make the tubers rot.

Pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil and give it a makeover by mixing in 2 to 3 inches of compost and some balanced organic fertilizer. Dig a hole 10 - 15cm deep, lay the tuber on its side with the growing eye facing up, and cover it back up.

Give each dahlia about 30cm of space—these beauties grow big!

Hold off watering until you see see the first green shoots peeking through. Overwatering before they sprout can lead to tuber rot. Then consistent watering is key. Once they’re 20-30cm tall, give them a little haircut by snipping the top 6-10cm off the centre stem.Trust me! This encourages them grow bushier and produce more flowers!

Watch out for slugs, snails, and earwigs—these pests can be pesky! Put down some organic bait at planting time and throughout the season.

By midsummer, tall Dahlias will need to be staked for support.

Happy Gardening!