Planting Instructions

• Planting should happen in spring after all danger of frost is gone
• Space the tubers 3-4 ft apart for large dahlias or 2 ft. apart for smaller dahlias
• Dig a 12 x 12 inch deep hole (30 x 30 cm)
• Mix organic matter to the soil that has been removed
• Fill the hole with the above mix to a depth of 6 inches
• Put in the tuber horizontally, eye facing upward
• Cover it with the remainder of the soil
• Press the soil down around the roots and water the planting area thoroughly
• When the sprout emerges from the ground, gradually add more soil mix until the hole is totally filled.

Care

• Dahlias thrive on regular rainfall in most areas, though will require watering in arid and desert climates.
• Dahlias grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils.
• Feed monthly with bloom type fertilizer to ensure full blooms
• Pinch back new growth when the dahlia is a foot high (30 cm) to promote a compact, bushy growth
• Remove spent blooms to encourage new blooms
• The stalks are woody, so aphids can attack them. A spray with insecticidal soap or even physically washing the aphids off a few times with a strong jet of water usually solves this.
• Cut back almost to ground level in the fall, before lifting and storing for the winter.
• In USDA zone 9 dahlias can be treated as perennial hardy bulbs and left in the ground. In zones 7-8 and below, dahlias either need to be lifted and stored for winter in a dry and cool place - between 50°F and 60°F (10°C and 15°C), or treated as annuals with new tubers or bedding plants planted each spring.
• If you decide to leave the dahlia tubers in the ground over winter, apply a 6 - 12 inches of mulch over the ground