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Dahlia Tips and Tricks

  • Dahlia garden in full bloom with grape and sunflower in back ground.
    A thick dahlia patch can be accented with plants like grapes or sunflowers in the background that add more texture to the garden.
  • Three rows of dahlias running away from the camera to the grape in the background.
  • Image has a rawhide dahlia in the lower right and the rest of the image shows rows of dahlias in various states of bloom.
  • Garden Bloom 2022 shows three rows of dahlias with a grape in the background
  • View of back of dahlia patch where the Holly Hill Black Beauty and Lady Liberty dahlias are looking down the dahlia rows from the tall plants to the short and the cedar tree near the garden fence is glimpsed in the back ground of this image.

If you are new to growing dahlias, or just interested in learning more, tips and tricks for growing dahlias need to be considered by climate or zones. There is not a one size fits all approach. What works for a person living in southern California, won’t likely work for a person in Connecticut, or someone who lives on the coast. Is it a warm coast like Florida? Or the cool temperate environment of the Pacific Northwest.

Gardening can be a very rewarding hobby. Many people who enjoy gardening eventually find themselves trying dahlias, but growing dahlias is a little different. Dahlias are native to the inlands of Central America and Mexico. Often when people learn this, they envision the tropical beaches of Mexico’s shore line with out thinking about the other central climates in this region. Many people associate Mexico with heat, but the altitudes dahlias are native too don’t achieve the same heat. Dahlias do not tolerate extreme heat well. They also are heavy feeders and require deep watering. Early in spring, before tubers are actively growing, they are at risk of rotting from too much water. If trying to grow tubers in hot climates, soil that is too dry can dehydrate tubers, either stunting or killing the tuber. Understanding where a dahlia comes from and what climate your garden can provide will give you insight into how to successfully grow dahlias in your space. So with all the what to do and what not to do, where do you start.

We will be sharing information on this page to help you grow your garden. While much of the information here will be important to dahlias, you can use this information to help all the plants you grow. Please use these Tips and Tricks at your discretion and modify them as you will to fit your needs.

Cheers and Happy Gardening

A Little History
Understanding Where A Dahlia Comes From
Planting – coming soon
Soil Additives
Dreaded Leafy Gall
Staking Options
Water
Digging Dahlia Tubers
Dividing Dahlias

Three Things All Life Needs

Water

Water is a crucial part of all life. It is the fluid that moves all things. Many people panic over water doing too much or too little. Learn more about growing in a cool coastal climate, a arid temperate climate, a hot climate, or growing in pots.

Soil

Types of soil need to be considered for optimal health and to know what soil additives will help produce big healthy plants. Fertilize or don’t, understanding your products and your yard can help you make decisions on what to use. Visit our soil additives page now.

Light

You can’t trick a dahlia into growing where there isn’t full sun. But very hot climates and shade helps them survive. Coming soon- a link to light.