Anyone can grow dahlias, but to produce outstanding, vibrant blooms follow these tips from the Snohomish County Dahlia Society:
Location: The ideal spot for dahlias is in full sun. The plants will tolerate some shade. Afternoon sun is better than morning sun.
Soil preparation: Soil should be well-drained and contain as much organic material as possible. Adding compost, well-rotted manure, leaf mold and peat moss will add nutrients to the soil. Thoroughly turn the soil before planting.
Planting: Plant dahlias when the soil warms up, usually late April to mid-May in this area. Dahlias vary in height so arrange the taller varieties at the back of the bed. Allow 2 to 3 feet between plants. When planting the tubers, place a stake in the ground and dig a hole about 6 inches deep on each side of the stake. Place the tuber flat with the eye upward near the stake and cover loosely with soil.
Fertilizing: A tablespoon of good time-release fertilizer such as Osmocote can be placed in the hole with the tuber at planting time. Use a 0-20-20 such as Bloom or a low-nitrogen fertilizer in July to enhance bloom and tuber growth.
Topping: To have a compact, bushy plant with more flowers, pinch out the center growing tip when the plant is about one foot high.
Disbudding: For bigger blooms and better stems, pinch off the side buds at the end of each growing branch.
Pest control: Slugs love dahlias in the spring so surround young plants with slug bait. Aphids and earwigs will attack almost any time. Use insecticidal soap on aphids.
Watering: A thorough, deep watering is better than frequent, light watering. During summer heat, water every four to five days.
Cutting: Cut early in the morning or late at night. To properly condition the blooms, place them in water away from drafts for 8 to 12 hours. Display flowers in a cool part of the home. Add a few drops of bleach or liquid dishwashing soap to the water to prevent bacterial growth.
Digging and dividing: Around Nov. 1, cut dahlias down and lift the roots carefully with a spade by digging around the entire plant about one foot from the stalk. Wash clumps, trim stalks a few inches above root level and divide. Remove tubers from clump using a knife or sharp pair of clippers.
Storing: Most growers store tubers in a medium such as slightly damp vermiculite, potting soil or sawdust to prevent shriveling. Put the tubers and the medium into a plastic bag in a storage container. Put container in storage area that is cool but always above freezing. Check tubers twice during the winter and remove any that show rot.
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