Dahlia

Growing Guide

The real advantage in growing Dahlias from seed is that you get the best of both worlds. The first year will provide a very economical collection of bright flowers and each plant will produce tubers that can be carefully lifted at the end of the end of the season for storing and re-planting the following year. With single flowers, cactus types, pompons, waterlilly, anemone and collarette types there's a Dahlia out there to suit ever garden and gardener!

Sow Dahlia seed in February and March in trays or pots of good quality seed compost at a depth of 2mm and in a propagator or polythene bag, keeping the compost damp but not wet until germination. Transplant seedlings into 7.5cm pots when large enough to handle taking care not to damage the roots. gradually harden off before planting out in the flowering site from late May onwards. Space plants 60cm apart. Dahlias prefer a moist, well drained soil in full sun.



Reducing the amount of flower buds per stem will increase the size and quality of the blooms produced. Deadheading regularly will also promote new blooms and prolong the season.

TOP TIPS

Whilst Dahlias are a half-hardy perennial, they are largely treated as a half-hardy annual when grown from seed. However, if you have enjoyed the flowers and have a dry frost free place it is always worth trying to lift and store the tubers for replanting the next year. If doing so, check on them regularly for rot, and plant healthy tubers into pots in a greenhouse in April, or plant directly outside once all risk of frost has passed. Many gardeners lift and store their tubers each year, if you decide not to be sure to apply a thick layer of mulch when you cut the plants back in November.