Producing Large Dahlias

Producing Large Dahlias

Dahlias [1] provide bold splashes of color to the garden beginning in mid July and lasting until frost. Their blossoms come in a wide array of shapes, sizes and color. If you would like to get the most out of your dahlias, follow these simple steps:

Once the tubers are in the ground and have begun to grow, reduce the number of stalks by cutting them at ground level to no more than four.

After these stalks have grown, several sets of leaves pinch out the growing tips of each stalk. This will force side shoots at each leaf node making the plant bushier.

Before the plant gets too large, provide stakes or place a sturdy cage around it for added support as it grows.

Dahlias are heavy feeders and benefit from extra fertilizer applied at planting as well as during the growing season. Scratch a little in about mid-July.

The flower buds form in clusters of three at the terminal end of each stem. Remove the outer two buds, leaving the central bud to produce the best and largest flower [2]. Blossom size can be increased even more by removing the axil shoots from two sets of leaves below the terminal bud.[3]

Taking time to provide this extra bit of TLC should result in blue ribbon winning flowers that will make you the envy of the neighborhood.

[1]

[2]

[3]

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Online Privacy Statement

(none) /pyg/tips/perennials/tip_1408.shtml
Last updated: Tuesday, February 01, 2005