Dahlias are nothing less than stunning, very vibrant flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden, whether big or small, in your backyard or terrace. With their wide variety of beautiful shapes, sizes, & colors, these flowers make a very beautiful addition to your favourite home garden. Growing the best dahlias at home is indeed easy if you provide the right care and perfect conditions. Here’s a step-wise guide on how to grow these particular beautiful blooms.
- Choosing the Right Variety
Dahlias come in a wide range of sizes, from the small pom-poms to the large dinner-plate varieties that looks stunning. While selecting a kind of dahlia to grow at home, consider your available space as well as garden style. The smaller varieties are indeed ideal for pots or even smaller spaces, while the larger types can make an eye-catching display in a garden bed.
- Finding the Ideal Planting Spot
Dahlias thrive when exposed to full sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight every day. They usually prefer well-draining and porous soil in order to prevent any kind of waterlogging, which can potentially rot the tubers. If your soil is usually heavy, amend the same with some organic matter like compost or sand in order to improve the overall drainage.
- Planting the Dahlia Tubers
Dahlias grow from tubers, which are planted in the spring after the last frost. All you need to do is to dig a hole about 6 inches deep and then place the tuber horizontally, with the eye (the small bump where growth will begin) facing upward. Then cover it with soil, & space the tubers about 18-24 inches apart for smaller varieties & up to 36 inches in case of larger varieties.
- Watering & Fertilizing Regularly
After planting, you ought to water the tubers very lightly until they begin to sprout. Once the plants start growing, you ought to keep the soil moist but not soggy at all. Dahlias appreciate consistent watering, especially during the phase of dry periods. Also, fertilize your plants once in every four to six weeks with a balanced fertilizer in order to promote healthy growth and also abundant blooms.
- Supporting Tall Varieties
Larger varieties of dahlias can grow up to four to five feet tall and may require support. Use stakes or cages in order to prevent them from falling over, especially in the highly windy areas. Insert the stakes when planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.
- Deadheading for Continuous Blooms
To encourage the continuous blooming throughout the entire growing season, regularly remove dead or some of the fading flowers. This will direct the energy of the plants toward producing new blooms.
Growing the best-quality dahlias at home is a rewarding experience that brings very vibrant, long-lasting blooms to your garden. By choosing the right variety, providing the right conditions, and caring for them properly, you can enjoy a stunning display of dahlias all through the summer season.
