Dahlias are popular summer flowers. They should not be missing in any garden. Normally the culture is quite simple. However
the location of dahlias must be chosen correctly so that they bloom in full glory.

In a nutshell

  • love full sun
  • Location should be sheltered from the wind
  • thrive in any normal garden soil
  • do not tolerate waterlogging

Lush flowers

During the summer months, dahlias (Dahlia) are real permanent bloomers. In the months of June until autumn, until the first frosts in November, the georgines, as they are also called, produce flowers in all colours. They look particularly good with grasses and ornamental foliage plants. However, the perennial herbaceous plant makes some demands in order to develop lush flowers. This includes

They love sun

Georgians are true sun worshipers, they need warmth. It is certainly no wonder when the origin of these distinctive plants is taken into account, as they originally come from Central and South America. They were cultivated there long before the arrival of the Europeans. Therefore, the location of dahlias must be selected very carefully before planting. The following should be noted:

  • sunny place
  • direct sun
  • if possible all day or
  • at least most hours of the day
  • However, avoid the blazing midday sun
  • do not plant under trees and shrubs
Dahlia 'Marrakech'

The sun is important for the health and growth of dahlias. It should not be forgotten that the beautiful flower heads are formed in abundance even in a sunny location. Planting may also be possible in semi-shade, but it should be borne in mind that:

  • the plants grow stunted
  • stay small
  • produce little foliage
  • no or few flowers appear
  • Flowers are very small and
  • color is not properly expressed

Notice: Plenty of sun, sufficient water, appropriate fertilization and humus-rich soil are necessary for a rich rebloom. It is also important to cut out the faded flowers.

Protected against wind and rain

Furthermore, the location of dahlias must be protected from wind and rain. Otherwise, it can quickly happen that the bushes break apart, especially with tall varieties with their flower heads up to 35 cm in size, or even different ones, the individual and hollow flower stalks break off in wind or rain, bend over and cannot straighten up again on their own. Remedy can be easily created:

  • Tie dahlia bushes together
  • use of plant rings or plant sticks made of bamboo
  • Use sticks immediately when planting the tubers
  • this prevents damage to the tubers

It is important that the plant rings or plant sticks are checked at least once a week. If necessary, a readjustment must then be made.

Notice: In order to supply the soil with sufficient nutrients, only organic fertilizers such as mature compost, horn shavings or cattle manure should be used. The use of nettle manure can also be helpful.

Well drained soil

When it comes to soil, it is not only important that it is well permeable so that irrigation and rainwater can run off properly. If waterlogging occurs, the tubers can quickly deform, growth is prevented and ultimately the tubers begin to rot. Furthermore, the root bulbs must spread well in the soil and the roots must be able to penetrate the soil properly. Therefore, the summer flowers make even more demands on the soil:

  • loose, rich in nutrients and humus
  • deep and not too dry
  • Dahlias need a lot of nutrients
  • pH should be slightly acidic
  • a pH of 6.5 is ideal

In principle, dahlias grow well in normal garden soil that is not too loamy and slightly acidic. However, weekly doses of nitrogenous complete fertilizer are necessary here in early summer and fertilization with a focus on potassium in late summer. Otherwise, a teaspoon of horn shavings or horn meal can be added to each planting hole when planting. This covers the nutrient requirement for the whole season. If the soil is medium-heavy to heavy or loamy to clayey, it is necessary to prepare it well:

  • ensure good drainage
  • Incorporation of mature compost, clay granules or sand
Dahlia 'Bantling'

Notice: Under no circumstances should there be mulching around the dahlia plants. The mulch material keeps the moisture in the soil, the tubers can rot. In addition, only snails and voles are attracted, which like to eat dahlias.

Culture in the bucket

Of course, there is also the option of cultivating dahlias in a bucket or large pot on the terrace or balcony. This is a particularly cheap method if there is not enough sun in the garden. So you can quickly change the location of your dahlias. Here, too, the demands of the summer flowers must not be ignored:

  • full sun
  • Use buckets from 10 to 12 liters capacity
  • better even bigger
  • must have drainage holes for water
  • Put a drainage layer of expanded clay in the pot
  • alternatively mix potting soil with clay granules
  • Use of high-quality potting soil, rose soil or potting soil
  • Mix in horn meal or horn shavings as nitrogen donors
  • Put tubers in the middle of the pot
  • this guarantees upright growth

When cultured in a tub, the plants need more water, but be careful to avoid waterlogging. In addition, it is necessary to administer a flowering plant fertilizer in liquid form with the irrigation water once a week from June.

Notice: Mature compost improves the soil structure in the bed, but the nutrient content can vary greatly here. It is therefore not suitable as the sole plant substrate for cultivation in tubs.

frequently asked Questions

How should dahlias be planted?

Depending on the weather, planting takes place at the end of April, better still after the ice saints. The tubers are placed 5 cm deep in a planting hole and covered with some soil. It is important that the stalks cut off from the previous year are still sticking out of the ground. No watering is done after planting, as the tubers can rot quickly. It is poured only when sprouting and when the soil is dry.

Can the dahlia bulbs overwinter at their location in the garden?

No. Dahlias are not hardy. After the first frost, the foliage is wilted and brown. The foliage is then cut back to 5 to 6 cm and the tubers are dug up. The ground should be dry. Then the tubers are checked and rotten spots are cut out and sprinkled with charcoal powder. During the winter, the tubers are then stored frost-free and in the dark at 3 to 8 °C.

Is it necessary to keep planting distances with dahlias?

Yes of course. Planting distances are important for healthy growth. In addition, fungal infections can be avoided on the tuber and herb, because if distances are not maintained, the plants cannot dry properly in bad weather. The distances should be 30 to 40 cm for low-growing dahlias, 60 to 70 cm for medium-tall varieties and 80 to 100 cm for tall varieties.

Category:

Garden plants