How to Stake a Dahlia
- 1. Purchase garden stakes that will be tall enough for the variety of dahlia you choose to plant. ...
- 2. Hold a garden stake, point down, 6 inches from the hole where you will plant a dahlia tuber. ...
- 3. Plant the dahlia tuber next to the stake, following the recommended guidelines for the variety of dahlia you are growing.
How to split and divide dahlias?
Dahlias sprout from eyes on the very top of the tuber necks. If you split your tubers a day after digging them up the eyes will be more prominent. Waiting even a few days will result in the eyes shrinking, making them hard to see. Start dividing and cutting off each tuber, making sure to include enough of the neck that you get some eyes.
How to grow the biggest dahlias?
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Flower Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead pant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Flower Mix up to 3cm from the top.
Do dahlias need support?
“ It is important to support dahlia plants well because the secondary stem joints are very brittle where they join the main stem and prone to fracturing either in windy conditions or just the sheer weight of the stem.” says Richard. Any dahlia that grows above 70cm, which is most of them, will need support.
How to trim back dahlias?
Cut back the foliage to 2–4 in (5.1–10.2 cm) above the ground. Dahlia foliage will turn black with the first frost. If you like, you can wait until this occurs before you cut the plant back to ensure you get the full enjoyment out of your dahlia for the season, and waiting will also help to get the bulb ready for storage.
See more
Reasons for Staking Dahlia Plants
Dahlia growers are familiar with the signs. Muddy blooms pasted to the earth and bedraggled flowers with bent, broken stems. Dahlias are prolific producers after a few years. These tuberous plants have slender erect stems which are not always capable of supporting the larger blooms.
Best Ways to Stake Dahlias
Every gardener has their own ideas of the best ways to stake dahlias. Purchased forms or even pruned sticks in the shape of a “y” remove the need for most tying. These allow the plant to rest its stem naturally in the “y” and support it gently.
How to Keep Dahlias from Falling Over
One of the biggest tips from experts is to consider dahlia support at the time you plant the tubers. Have a plan in place before you ever see sprouts. If you are using stakes or rebar, plant the tubers so each eye is right next to previously placed stakes.
How to grow dahlias
Dahlias require a fertile, moist but well-drained soil, and a sunny, sheltered spot. The taller varieties need staking. In autumn, dig up the tubers and overwinter them in a frost-free place, such as a greenhouse or a shed. Bring them back into growth in early April, then plant out in the garden from May onwards.
When to buy dahlia tubers in the UK
Dahlia tubers are available to buy from February. Most garden centres have a good selection but for the best range, buy online from nurseries and specialist growers.
Types of dahlia to grow
Single dahlias such as ‘Joe Swift’ and ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ have a single ring of petals that circle around a central disc. This type of dahlia is attractive to pollinators.
