by Dawn Dewey, owner of Soilutions
When it comes to flowers, dahlias are a personal favorite of mine, and I grow several varieties each year. It's hard to beat their stunning beauty and lasting flower production. Dahlias are relatively easy to cultivate with the right care, making them excellent for gardeners of all experience levels. They thrive in our hot summers and produce stunning cut flowers from mid-summer all the way until the first frost. Dahlias are also so generous: the more blooms you cut, the more flowers the plant generates! This continuous blooming makes them a vibrant and lasting addition to any garden.
Here’s some great news: it’s not too late to start growing dahlias this summer! Dahlias love heat, so while they can be planted as early as June, July is still an ideal time to get them in the ground. As we near the end of their planting period, you might even find dahlia tubers on sale, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious gardeners looking to add some flair.
Quick Tips for Growing Dahlias
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Dahlias are grown from “tubers,” which can be purchased from local nurseries or online. Plant the tuber with the “eye” facing upward, close to the surface. This eye is where new growth will emerge, so correct placement is essential. Your tubers should come with planting instructions or you can easily search online for tips.
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Dahlias require full sun, rich soil, and ample water to produce prolific blooms. Plan to water them daily during the summer months. A drip system is ideal, as it delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and ensuring consistent moisture. Consistent watering is key to preventing stress and promoting healthy growth.
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Dahlias come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, allowing you to find the perfect type to match your personal aesthetic. Whether you prefer small, delicate blooms or large, showy flowers, there is a dahlia variety for you. The range of colors is equally impressive, spanning the entire spectrum and providing endless design possibilities.
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Dahlias can be planted from June to mid-July. This flexible planting window makes it easy to fit them into your gardening schedule.
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Dahlias grow quickly and will provide bountiful blooms until the first frost in the Fall, typically mid-October to early November. This extended blooming period ensures a long season of color and enjoyment.
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Dahlias make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life. Remember, the more blooms you cut, the more the plant produces! This encourages further blooming and allows you to enjoy their beauty indoors as well as in your garden. Sharing these blooms with friends and family is an added bonus.
So, head to a local nursery or browse online, pick out some dahlia tubers, and get planting. You'll be rewarded with an abundance of gorgeous blooms from mid-summer until the first frost that will brighten your garden and your home. You won't regret adding these delightful flowers to your summer garden!
This article is adapted from the Gardening column in New Mexico Marketplace Magazine, which is written monthly by Dawn Dewey, hobby gardener and owner of Soilutions!
