Cultivating Dahlias: A Guide from Green Willow Gardens
At Green Willow Gardens, our love for dahlias runs deep, even with their high maintenance. These vibrant blooms, known for their stunning variety and beauty, have become a cornerstone of our offerings. Whether you purchase dahlia tubers from our farm or another source, here are our best practices for beautiful and healthy dahlia blooms in Zone 6, Southwest Michigan.
Preparing for Your Dahlias
Once you receive your dahlia tubers, it's essential to store them correctly until planting. Keep them in a cool environment (41º-47ºF) to maintain dormancy and ensure they remain viable.
Planting Guidelines
Timing: Plant tubers after the last frost date when soil temperatures reach 50ºF or higher.
Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. For container gardening, use pots that are 10”-12” wide and at least 12” deep with well-draining soil.
Planting Depth: Place tubers 4-6 inches deep and space them 12 inches apart to allow ample room for growth. We have planted them as close as 9 inches apart with success, as our plants are regularly cut for blooms.
Watering: Do not water until sprouts emerge (typically 4-6 weeks). If there’s a light spring rain, your tubers should be fine, but avoid excessive moisture that could cause rot.
Supporting Your Dahlias
Because our dahlias are grown for cutting, they can reach heights of 30”-48” (or even taller) and require support:
Individual Plants: Use tomato cages or bamboo stakes.
Row Plantings: Use t-posts and twine to create a supportive corral system.
Encouraging More Blooms
For a fuller and more productive dahlia plant:
Pinching: When plants reach 12 inches tall, pinch the center stem, leaving 3-4 leaf sets. This encourages branching and increased blooms.
Cutting: When harvesting for arrangements, cut deep into the plant to promote longer stems and continuous blooming.
Patience with Blooms
While dahlias are often associated with summer flowers, their peak bloom time is in the fall. If you notice lots of foliage but no flowers, be patient—the best display is yet to come!
We look forward to helping you grow stunning dahlias and can’t wait to offer you quality dahlia tubers in the next season!
