When to plant dahlias?

Do you also get that summer feeling whenever you think of dahlias? We certainly do! Naturally, we’d love to get started in the garden as soon as possible, but with dahlias, patience is a virtue. Dahlias are true sun-worshippers and they absolutely hate the cold. The golden rule we always follow at the nursery is: only plant them outside once the risk of night frost has passed. In this blog, we’ll tell you more about it.

When to plant dahlia bulbs?

To fully enjoy beautiful dahlias in the summer, we always recommend: plant them as soon as the soil has warmed up nicely in the spring. Choose a lovely sunny spot in your garden, as that’s where they’ll be happiest. Next, dig a shallow hole. The tuber only needs to be a few centimeters underground. This way, it can feel the warmth of the spring sun directly and will sprout much faster.

When does the dahlia bloom?

This is exactly why we are so in love with the dahlia: they give you a true explosion of color when most other garden plants have already finished! Dahlias start blooming around July and continue tirelessly deep into autumn, often until the first night frost in October or November. It’s the ultimate way to hold onto that wonderful summer feeling in your garden or on your balcony for even longer.

How to maintain dahlias?

A dahlia is actually very easygoing. The secret? A little extra love and attention is directly rewarded with even more flowers. With these simple tips, you can enjoy them all summer long:

• Keep watering: Especially on hot, dry summer days, they get thirsty. It’s better to give them a good soak at the roots a few times a week than a little bit every day.
• Deadheading: Cut off faded flowers immediately. The plant will then stop putting its energy into making seeds and focus on creating even more new flower buds.
• Support: Some varieties grow beautifully tall and become heavy with flowers. Give these a helping hand in time with a garden stake so they don’t blow over in a strong summer breeze.
• Cut flowers: Don’t forget to occasionally cut a few beautiful blooms for a vase on your table. It brings the cheerfulness indoors, and the plant will simply grow new flowers anyway.

How to plant dahlia bulbs correctly?

Planting dahlia tubers isn’t difficult. It’s a delightful task where you can already feel a bit of summer in your hands. Because dahlias are tubers that love warmth, we handle them slightly differently than, for example, tulips. We’ve mapped it out for you step-by-step:

1. Choose a spot in the garden that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day.
2. Dig a spacious planting hole about 10 to 15 centimeters deep.
3. Carefully place the tuber in the hole with the old stem pointing upwards.
4. Maintain a planting distance of 40 to 50 centimeters between the tubers.
5. Cover the tuber with the excavated soil and press it down very lightly.
6. Water the tubers immediately after planting.

Combining dahlias with other summer bloomers

Dahlias are real eye-catchers on their own, but they truly shine when placed alongside other summer friends. Think of gladioli, hydrangeas, or peonies! Speaking of hydrangeas, we previously wrote a blog about planting dahlias (Note: the link in the original points to hydrangeas, but the text says dahlias—please verify).

By combining dahlias with plants that bloom slightly earlier or later, you ensure your garden is a colorful party from early spring until the first night frost. One tip we’d like to give: ensure enough space between the tubers for optimal growth. Keep in mind: most hydrangeas love (partial) shade and lots of water, while dahlias are true sun-worshippers.

Planting dahlias in pots

Don’t have a large garden? No worries! Dahlias also do excellently in pots on the patio or balcony. Here’s how you do it:

• Choose the right pot: Use a spacious pot with holes in the bottom so excess water can easily drain away.
• A good start: Always use fresh potting soil with enough nutrients.
• Compact varieties: While almost all dahlias can grow in pots, we often recommend the more compact varieties for tables or small balconies. These stay nice and sturdy and low-growing.

Frequently asked questions about planting dahlia bulbs

What is the best location for dahlias?

For the most beautiful sea of flowers, the golden rule is: the more sun, the more blooms. Additionally, make sure they are sheltered from the wind and don’t have "wet feet" (poor drainage).

Can dahlias stay in the ground during winter?

Dahlias originally come from warm Mexico and therefore do not handle frost well. In many regions, we recommend carefully lifting the tubers from the ground after the first night frost and storing them in a frost-free place.

Why are there no flowers on my dahlia?

This can have a few causes. The most common is a lack of sunlight. Dahlias really need those 6 hours of sun a day to produce buds. Another reason could be too much nitrogen in the fertilizer. Our tip? Use a fertilizer with more potassium; it stimulates blooming!