Flower Spotlight: Dahlia (2024)

FAQs

Do dahlias come back every year? ›

The tubers that grow beneath the ground are unharmed and can live to perform again year after year given a little care from you. Some lift dahlia tubers and store them over winter, then replant the following spring. Others in milder areas leave them in the ground.

Cornel. A timeless classic, Cornel dahlias are a ball-type dahlia with a beautiful deep red color. This reliable bloomer has won many awards and is considered by many growers to be a must-have.

Dahlias love to be in a sunny location— an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight is preferred. Dahlias will also grow in shady areas but generally will be taller and require more staking and care. Dahlias love to be in the dirt. The dirt is a friend to Dahlia Tubers.

Dahlias make wonderful cut-and-come-again blooms if you're planning a cut flower garden because they flower for months on end. Deadheading and picking these invaluable late summer flowers regularly encourages them to keep producing more flowers right up to the first frosts.

Growing dahlias in pots is an easy way to enjoy these colorful flowers, even if you're short on space. The right watering techniques, soil, and light exposure will give you abundant blooms from midsummer until fall.

In many climates, dahlias must be dug and stored (see digging and winter storage information) as tubers cannot freeze. In warmer/mild states, including the Pacific Northwest, you may try leaving the dahlias in the ground over the winter.

Black dahlias are extremely rare: less than 20 of 200,000 species of dahlia are black. But new research from scientists has thrown new light on how these dark flowers get their colour.

Expect to get about a dozen dinnerplate dahlias, and many dozens of collarette dahlias. The healthier your plant, the more blooms you get.

Dahlias can take anywhere from 12 to 16 weeks to bloom after planting. Once they start blooming, they will continue to bloom until first frost. How many flowers a single plant will produce depends on the variety. Generally, varieties that produce smaller flowers will produce more flowers.

Other poisonous garden plants for rabbits include Begonias, Chrysanthemums, Clematis, Dahlias, Delphinium, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Lupins, Morning Glory, Primrose, Rhododendron, Sweet Peas (there is a rabbit-safe variety), and Tulips.

Do dahlias need a lot of water? ›

A good rule of thumb is that your dahlias should receive 1” of water every week. In the heat of summer, dahlias will require more water especially if it is warm and dry. When they are actively growing and blooming, dahlias will need more water. Dahlias grown in pots will require more frequent, daily watering.

My dahlias performed best on the southwest side of the house in raised beds with good drainage. Planting: The tender tubers need to be planted well down in a 10-12 inch deep hole. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of bone meal into the bottom of the hole.

Dahlias don't like to get too hot or too dry. Their leaves look a tad tired, and they have trouble producing as many flowers. The best way to water is a drip pipe – less wasted water and it goes straight to the root. The easiest time to lay down the drip hose is when you plant the tubers.

Dahlias grow best when they receive a consistent supply of water. Drip irrigation is ideal, as it directs moisture to the root zone while keeping the foliage dry. If you are hand-watering, it's best to water deeply once or twice per week.

To Dig or Not to Dig

They will start growing again in spring. Dahlia tubers may survive a mild winter outdoors in zone 7 (as long as the soil is well drained and the area is thickly mulched). But in most of zone 7 and in all of zones 3-6, dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored indoors.

Digging and storing dahlias for the winter is extremely easy and simple. When done properly, you can replant your Dahlias each spring, for year after year of fantastic flowers. Follow our guide below to learn how to dig and store Dahlias for the winter!

Determining if dahlias are annual or perennial flowers depends on where you live. Regions are divided into hardiness zones based on average annual temperatures throughout the year. Dahlias are classified as tender perennials. In hardiness zones eight through ten, they will return every year.

Can you leave dahlias in pots over winter? With a little TLC, you can absolutely leave dahlias in pots over winter. All you need to do is cut the top growth back by about half, and move them inside to a cool, dry, darkened place (again, a basem*nt or garage works, so long as they don't dip below freezing).