How to grow Dahlias

With their intricate look, incredible colour and great variety, dahlias are popular additions to UK gardens as well as top choices for those who enjoy cut flowers. With wildlife also loving this extra special bloom, growing them in your garden this spring really is a no brainer. Yet, with dahlias having a reputation for being difficult to grow, many choose not to.

Adding this showstopper to your garden doesn’t have to be tricky however, especially if you follow our top dahlia growing tips below…

Take your pick

Dahlia growing success often comes down to the species you select and its suitability for your garden. Thankfully, there are so many dahlias to choose from, some of which may be better suited to your garden than others.

Waltzing Mathilda, Happy Days, Pretty Woman and Gallery La Tour are all compact varieties that thrive in containers. Their shorter stature also makes them great additions to border fronts. Most dahlias are taller and should be placed in the middle of the border.

Choose your spot

Dahlias need the right conditions to thrive in UK gardens. They do well in warm, sunny but sheltered areas with moist yet free-draining soil. Avoid planting your dahlias in very dry or very wet conditions as this may cause rot.

Plant at the right time

Whether growing from seed, stored tubers or pre-grown potted plants, the best time to plant your dahlias outdoors is after the frosts have passed during mid-spring. When planting your dahlias, leave plenty of space in between each. Dahlias need room to grow and, once in full bloom, fill out these gaps beautifully to ensure elegant and full displays.

Water them well

After planting, water well, covering with a layer of mulch to keep that moisture in. Dahlias need regular watering to flourish, especially during their growing season.

Fast growth can also be promoted with additional feeding. Ground planted dahlias should be mulched, while container grown plants benefit from potassium-rich or tomato feed applied every two weeks from July to September.

Support your showstoppers

For taller dahlia varieties in particular, the right support is crucial to healthy growth and happy plants.

As dahlias are very top-heavy, they need the help of plant supports to stay upright. Most varieties can reach up to 1.2 metres in height, and some climb beyond this to over 2 metres. Keep them looking beautiful by shopping for plant supports with us.