Dahlia

Dahlias make excellent potted plants and/or patio containers.  They bloom summer until frost, providing late summer color to the garden when most perennials are past their prime.  Dahlias are also a favorite holiday crop, especially for Easter and Mother's day.

Soil: Use a well-drained potting soil with a pH 6.5 - 7.0

Planting: Plant tubers so the crown is at or just below the soil surface. Eyes should be visible or will develop where the old stem and tubers meet. Be gentle, some tubers are delicate and easily broken if handled too rough.

Watering: Keep pots evenly moist but not too wet after potting. Too much moisture may lead to crown and root rot. Once growth begins, more frequent watering will be necessary.

Temperature: Grow Dahlias warm at 70 - 75F days.

Light: Dahlias require high light intensities, provide full sun for best growth.

Fertilizer: Dahlias are heavy feeders, especially the tall patio types. Once foliage is present, apply a slow-release top dressing or liquid feed with a well-balanced fertilizer at 200 ppm N.

Plant Growth Regulators: A-Rest is effective in controlling height on dahlias. Apply as a drench when shoots are emerging from the soil, usually 2 - 3 weeks after planting.

Pinching: Pinching can help to control height and will produce bushier plants with more flowers. Pinch early, after 3 - 4 leaf pairs. Pot dahlias do not require any pinching.