Staking

We recommend staking any dahlias that have a height of 3 feet or more. The best time to stake your dahlias is during the planting process. This will avoid unnecessary damage to the tuber later. Any staking product will work, including tomato cages, metal rods, bamboo stakes, etc. We do offer stakes, please visit our website or farm to view options available.

Watering

Spring

Many areas receive enough rain to fulfill water requirements for dahlias until the sprouts appear above the ground. Do not water your dahlia tubers after planting unless your ground is dry and no rain is expected in the next few weeks. If, however, you are planting in a hot and dry climate, you will need to water once a week to help the tuber establish its root system until the sprout appears above ground. If you are growing in containers, please see container growing instructions for recommendations.

Summer

Watering is the #1 problem we see when dahlias are not growing and blooming properly. They do not need to be watered at planting time in most areas but need lots of deep (8-10" deep) watering to reach the roots once they sprout above ground level. The exception will be in very warm, dry areas, where light watering at planting is needed (about once a week) until the dahlias have emerged. Most areas have an adequate amount of rainwater to get dahlias off on the right foot.

Once the dahlias are above the ground and established, they will require deep watering 3-4 times per week for 60+ minutes by sprinkler or soaker hose, and even longer in the heat of the summer. In containers you will need to be watering 1 – 2 times per day until the water runs out the bottom of the container. Deep watering means the water will reach down eight or more inches to the planted tuber's roots. Hand watering is not enough nor is it a method we recommend! Watering deeply three times a week is better than watering lightly 7 times a week as the water will not reach the roots, leaving you with a green plant and little to no blooms. Please keep in mind your climate will determine the amount you will need to water.

Adequate deep watering is required for proper growth and blooming. Most rain showers will not penetrate the soil deep enough for adequate watering. If you are growing in containers, please see container growing instructions for recommendations. Please remember you must adjust your watering schedule each year depending on the weather and the plant’s needs. Hand watering with a hose or watering can is not sufficient for dahlias and will not allow the water to get deep enough to their roots.

Topping/Pinching

We recommend topping all plants over 3' tall to promote shorter, stockier plants with better stem length for cutting. Pinch or cut the center shoot just above the third set of leaves or when the plant height is about 18-20" tall. This is just a one-time pinch. Please see the diagram or video on our website dahlias.com for additional information. We recommend continuing to dead head your old flowers all season long. If at any point your dahlias are too tall, they can be trimmed back.

Weed Control

Hand weeding is the only type of weed control we recommend, there are no exceptions. Do not use any type of weed killer, pre-emergent (Preen), or herbicide in or around your dahlias. If weeds will not grow there, neither will your dahlias. The only product that may be used, if absolutely necessary, is Round-Up or products on the market that are comparable. If you choose to spray with Round-Up or a similar product, be sure to not let any spray drift onto the dahlias and foliage as it will kill them. These products are not pre-emergent and do not stay in your soil. Double check product labels prior to application.

Bark Dust/Mulching

Although not recommended, when using bark dust or mulch be sure to apply it after the dahlias have sprouted and pushed through the ground. The product should be kept away from the base of the plants by at least 12" to allow water and nutrients to reach the tubers. Mulch soaks up the water and doesn’t allow the water to reach the roots. Please watch the pH level of your soil when wood products are applied yearly, as the level can change over time. See soil preparation in Spring Care for more details on adjusting pH levels in your soil.