Important Tips Before Planting Dahlias

It is said that dahlias are quite easy to plant, grow and care for. Despite this, some things need attention. By not paying attention to the tips before planting dahlias, you can see many types of disappointment.

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Tips Before Planting Dahlias

There are some things that need to be taken care of before planting dahlias. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to get the desired result.

Your dahlias will get a lot of benefits by following the tips given below. It will be healthy and will be saved from many harms. Also, it will perform better. So let’s see what are these tips before planting dahlias.

When To Plant Dahlias

Gardeners who want to get started early can buy tubers by mid-March. Then grow the tubers indoors in late March or early April and plant them in the garden from early to mid-May.

On the other hand, gardeners who want to plant dahlias directly in the garden (for whatever reason) tend to plant the tubers in the garden from early to mid-May.

Precautions Before Planting Dahlias in the Garden

Dahlias love heat and do not tolerate cold. That’s why it becomes very important that before you plant dahlias in the garden, make sure that there will be no more cold nights.

Many times new gardeners make wrong guesses due to lack of experience and plant the tubers in the ground before the cold has completely gone. In this situation, serious damage to the tubers can occur. These may die or be unable to germinate. Obviously, you don’t want to take the risk.

Getting Started Early By Planting Tubers In Containers

If you live in a cooler climate and want to see dahlias flourish in your garden, like many gardeners, you can start by planting the tubers in containers.

Order your favorite dahlia tubers for this in early spring. Then plant these dahlia tubers in containers about two to four weeks before the last frost date in your area. They are usually grown indoors in late March or early April.

Once they have sprouted, put the pots on a sunny windowsill. If possible, keep it in front of a south-facing window which will be best for its growth. If that is not an option, you can also take the help of grow lights. Plant them carefully in the garden as soon as the danger of frost has passed. In most places, dahlias are planted in the garden in the month of May. This is the time when there is no further frost forecast.

On the other hand, there’s no harm even if you don’t want to process the tubers in containers. Just you will get the pleasure of flowers after a short time. There is usually no chance of winter until May, but you should make sure that the ground temperature has reached 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Once this happens, plant the dahlia tubers directly in the garden.

Choosing A Planting Site For Dahlias

Site selection for planting plays an important role in how dahlias will perform in the future. You should keep the following points in mind in choosing the planting site.

• This plant needs full sun. They like morning sunlight best. Also, dahlias bloom more if they get 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.
• If possible try to give it a sheltered spot.
• Choose a site with some wind protection or make suitable arrangements.
• Large dahlias and plants that are grown only for cut flowers are best grown in a dedicated plot.
• Medium to low-height dahlias is often planted as mixed perennial beds or borders with other summer flowers that blend well with each other and make for beautiful views.
• If you consider growing it as a border in the south or west direction, then it will be an ideal condition for it.

Some Other Important Tips Before Planting Dahlias

• Dahlias are a plant whose most varieties need some support. Considering the mature size of the dahlia you plan to plant, install sturdy support before planting the tubers. Usually, a 7 feet long wooden or iron stick is suitable. Bury one foot part of it in the ground and leave 6 feet to support the plant. 
• It is best to plant the tubers after the support wood has been placed in the ground. This way you will avoid unnecessary damage to the tubers when digging a pit for support later. 

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