Growing Dahlias In Pots – 13 Tips to Success

Choose the right variety

First and foremost, choose the ideal dahlia variety for your unique requirements. Dahlias occur in a wide range of forms, sizes, and hues, with over 42 species and innumerable hybrids. Look for compact varieties that won’t grow too large when choosing a variety that can be grown in pots. The following are some top-notch compact dahlia cultivars that are ideal for growing in containers:

1. The lovely dahlia “Happy Single Romeo” has bright, dark red petals with a stunning black center. It is a little, single-flowered variety that is perfect for pots since it only grows up to 24 inches tall.
2. ‘Impression Festivo’: This dahlia is a real eye-catcher with its stunning, semi-double flowers in a striking mix of red and white. This small-growing variety is ideal for container gardening and may reach heights of up to 20 inches.
3. ‘Park Princess’: The ‘Park Princess’ dahlia is an excellent option for growing in pots since it has big, vivid pink blooms and a compact growth habit. This striking variety adds a touch of majesty to your landscape and grows to a height of 20 to 24 inches.
4. Collection Series: The compact dahlias of the Gallery series have stunning double blossoms on strong, bushy bushes. They are ideal for pots since they normally reach a height of 16 to 20 inches. The Gallery series includes the variations “Art Deco,” “Art Fair,” “Lahaina,” and “Sorrento.”
5. Melody Series: Another well-liked option for container gardening, the Melody series has dahlias with big, striking flowers on top of bushy plants. These small-sized kinds, which come in a variety of hues including “Melody Allegro,” “Melody Dora,” and “Melody Harmony,” reach a height of 16 to 24 inches.
6. The traditional dahlia variety “Bishop of Llandaff” is distinguished by its stunning, dark bronze-purple foliage and vibrant red, solitary blooms. The ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ is a small variety that works well for container gardening since it only grows to a height of 24-36 inches.
7. ‘Roxy’: The ‘Roxy’ dahlia has a compact growth habit and is a vivid magenta-pink variety. Semi-double blossoms on a plant that may reach a height of 24 inches will make it stand out in any container garden.
8. ‘Moonfire’: The ‘Moonfire’ dahlia is a distinctive and eye-catching variety with its remarkable blend of black foliage and vibrant yellow-orange blooms. It is a good option for pots since it is a compact plant that grows to a height of 24 inches.
9. ‘Pulp Fiction’: This unusual dahlia variety boasts dramatic red-orange blooms and dark, almost black foliage. With a height of up to 24 inches and striking colors, “Pulp Fiction” is a beautiful addition to any container garden.
10. ‘Jan van Schaffelaar’: This lovely bicolor variety of dahlia has petals that are a warm peach-orange color with a striking white center. It is a semi-double, compact variety that is ideal for container growing, growing up to 20 inches tall.

By choosing one or more of these dahlia kinds, you may have gorgeous flowers in your pots without being concerned that the plants will become too big or awkward. These types are ideal for giving your container garden a splash of color and some visual intrigue.

According to a resource from Colorado State University, it is possible to cultivate dahlias in containers if you lack garden space.

Choose the right pot

Picking the ideal container is the next step in successfully growing dahlias in pots. The health and development of your dahlia depend on the pot you choose since it affects things like root growth, drainage, and temperature control. Take into account the following three things while choosing a pot:

Width: Dahlias have substantial roots that need room to stretch out and develop. It’s crucial to choose a pot that is wide enough to support root development without limiting it. For small dahlia types, generally speaking, use a container with a minimum width of 12 inches. A pot with a width of 18 inches or more may be required for bigger types. Your dahlia will have more room to create a strong root system in a broader container, which will eventually promote stronger development and more stunning flowers.

Height: The pot’s depth, in addition to its breadth, is essential for the healthy growth of dahlia roots. Dahlias have vertically growing tuberous root, hence a deep container is required to allow their development. The pot’s depth should ideally be at least 12 to 18 inches to provide the roots adequate freedom to spread out without being constrained. Additionally, a deep pot will aid in proper drainage and stop water from collecting around the roots, which can cause rot.

Material: Pots come in a variety of materials, including terracotta, plastic, ceramic, and wood. When selecting a pot, keep in mind that every material has advantages and disadvantages.

a. Terra-cotta: Made from baked clay, these traditional pots are renowned for their porous structure, which promotes good drainage and airflow. You may need to water your dahlia more regularly since they may dry up more rapidly than other plants’ components. Handle terra-cotta pots carefully since they may be heavy and delicate.

b. Plastic: Plastic pots are a popular option for many gardeners because they are lightweight and reasonably priced. You may need to water less often because of how effectively they hold moisture. Plastic pots may not provide the same amount of insulation as other materials and may grow brittle over time, particularly when exposed to sunlight.

c. Ceramic: Ceramic pots are baked clay, much like terra-cotta, but they are usually glazed, making them less porous. They are more resilient than terra-cotta pots and provide excellent drainage, but they can be heavy and could break if dropped.

d. Wood: Wooden containers, such barrels or crates, may give your container garden a rustic, natural appeal. They provide good insulation for the roots of your dahlias, but if they are not treated or lined with plastic, they may rot over time.

You may get ceramic or terracotta pots according to my advice. If money is tight, consider using plastic pots.

Shop Terracotta pots 

Shop Ceramic Pots

Shop Plastic Pots

Drain Properly

Proper drainage is one of the most crucial aspects to think about while growing dahlias. These lovely flowers dislike being in wet soil since it may cause root rot and other issues that are bad for the health and appearance of your plants. Take efforts to encourage excellent drainage if you want your dahlias to be happy and healthy.

Selecting a container with enough drainage holes should be one of your first steps when planting dahlias. Without them, extra water won’t have somewhere to go, which increases the chance of your dahlias drowning. Ensure that the drainage holes in your pot are numerous and sufficiently big to enable water to flow easily out of the pot.

In addition to having enough drainage holes, you may enhance water flow by covering the pot’s bottom with a layer of coarse gravel or broken pottery. By doing this, you’ll give extra water somewhere to go and keep it from getting too close to the roots of your dahlias. For it to be successful, the layer of gravel or pottery has to be at least an inch deep.

Use an excellent potting mixture designed for drainage when planting your dahlias. Peat moss, perlite, and other substances that facilitate rapid and effective water movement through the soil are often included in these mixtures. Avoid using heavy garden soil since it tends to be compacted and thick, which makes it difficult for water to drain effectively.

Finally, it’s crucial to regularly check the moisture levels of your dahlias. While you don’t want to drown the soil in water, you also don’t want to let it get completely dry. Regularly poke your finger into the soil about an inch deep to check the quality of the soil. It’s time to water your dahlias if the soil seems dry. Wait a day or two before checking again if it seems damp.

Plant Properly

Dahlia plants must be planted correctly in order to develop and flourish to their full potential. There are a few important considerations to make while planting dahlia tubers.

Selecting an appropriate planting area is crucial first. Find a location in your garden or on your patio that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day because dahlias prefer full sun. They also need soil that drains effectively since soggy soil may cause root rot and other problems. Pick a spot with good drainage, or think about growing your dahlias in pots or raised beds.

Getting the soil ready is the first step in planting dahlia tubers. To assist increase the soil’s fertility, use a nutrient-rich potting mix that is designed for excellent drainage and include some compost or other organic waste. To aid the tubers in establishing themselves more rapidly, make sure the soil is loose and crumbly.

After that, space the tubers 2-4 inches apart and 4-6 inches deep. As was previously indicated, ensure that the soil is well-draining. The eye (the growing point) of the tubers should be pointing up and should be placed horizontally. If you’re planting many tubers, make sure to place them equally apart so that they have ample area to develop apart from one another and not compete for resources.

Water your tubers well after planting them to help the soil surrounding the roots settle. Avoid overwatering, which may cause waterlogging and other issues. To avoid the plants from bending or breaking under the weight of their blossoms as they expand, you may need to provide them some support. To assist in keeping them sturdy and erect, use stakes or a trellis.

Watch your watering

A crucial component of your dahlias’ normal upkeep is watering. But finding the right balance is crucial. It’s crucial to monitor your watering and pay attention to your plants’ demands since over- or under-watering might harm your plants.

You will need to water dahlias more regularly if you are growing them in pots as opposed to planting them in the ground. This is due to the fact that potted plants often dry up more rapidly, particularly in hot or dry weather. Your potted dahlias should get regular waterings to maintain the soil equally wet but not saturated.

Check the soil with your finger to see whether your dahlias need water. It’s time to water if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water the soil close to the plant’s base using a watering can or hose with a soft spray attachment. As water can cause fungus diseases, avoid getting it on the leaves.

Avoid overwatering your dahlias while you are watering them. Root rot and other issues that might harm the health of your plant can result from wet soil. Make sure your pot has enough drainage and that you aren’t watering it too regularly to avoid this.

Dahlias may sometimes have issues with under-watering, however. The plant may wilt or cease growing completely if the soil is too dry. This may result in growth that is stunted and fewer blooms.

You may need to water your dahlias more often than normal during hot or dry spells. Watch the weather and change your watering plan as necessary. Check the soil with your finger to see whether your plant needs water, as suggested before.

Choose the right location for Sunlight

To ensure that your dahlias thrive and bloom to their maximum potential, selecting the ideal place for them is a crucial step. Dahlias need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine each day since they are sun-loving plants. So it’s essential to place pot in full sun.

Based on information from UGA Cooperative Extension, Dahlias flourish in sunny locations. It is advised to position them in an area that receives at least half day of direct sunlight.

Take into account how your outside area is laid out when deciding where to plant your dahlias. Find a location that is protected from strong winds because these can harm the plants and make them wilt. If you’re growing dahlias in pots, make sure the pots are big enough to hold the plant when it’s fully grown.

It’s crucial to take your local climate into account. Your dahlias may benefit from some afternoon shade if you reside in a region with a hot temperature, such as the southern United States or Australia, to avoid overheating. The sun may be quite strong in certain areas, so giving your plants some shade will keep them cool and healthy.

You may use shade cloth or plant your dahlias where they will get shade from nearby trees or other buildings. Avoid overshading your plants since this might make them lanky and result in fewer blooms being produced.

It’s crucial to put dahlias in a window that gets lots of direct sunshine if you’re growing them inside. Windows that face east or west are best since they get a lot of early or afternoon sun, respectively. To make sure that your plants get the light they need to flourish, you may need to augment the natural light coming through your windows with artificial grow lights.

Staking

For tall or large-flowered kinds of dahlias, staking is a crucial part of care. These plants may grow top-heavy and bend or break without support as a result of the weight of their blossoms. Thankfully, staking is a quick and easy way to stop this from happening.

Choosing a sturdy support, such as a bamboo cane or a metal stake, is the first step in staking your dahlias. The stake should be sturdy enough to survive severe winds and torrential rain and tall enough to sustain the whole plant.

When planting, insert the stake into the pot being careful not to damage the tuber. To provide a firm yet delicate grip, attach the stem to the stake using a rubber band or a length of twine. To prevent the knot from being too tight or cutting into the stem as the plant develops, you may need to make adjustments to it.

Dahlias should be staked as soon as possible to help protect the stem and roots from injury. When a plant is damaged or bent, it may be difficult to fix or salvage. Your dahlias can grow robust and healthy and produce more blooms if you give them assistance while they are young.

You may choose another kind of support for your dahlias in addition to staking. For bigger plants in particular, you may use a trellis or a tomato cage as extra support. These choices may dress up your landscape more than a plain stake and offer visual flair.

Choose the right fertilizer

When it comes to growing healthy and gorgeous dahlias, selecting the proper fertilizer is essential. Due to their heavy feeding habits, dahlias need a lot of nutrients in order to grow and bloom to their maximum potential. As a result, it’s critical to give them the proper fertilizer in the proper quantity and at the proper time.

Start by applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting your dahlias. Your plants will get the nutrients they need from this to establish themselves and begin growing. To give your dahlias the right mix of nutrients, look for fertilizer that has an equal quantity of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium.

Here is the best fertilizer of Dahlias.

It’s time to move to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer once your dahlias begin to form buds. This will promote flowering and discourage uncontrolled foliage development, which may lessen the appeal of your flowers. The creation of flowers requires phosphorus, therefore look for a fertilizer with a high phosphorus content.

Avoid overfertilizing your dahlias while using fertilizer. Less flowering and excessive foliage growth may result from this. Apply the fertilizer at the appropriate rate and pay close attention to the manufacturer’s directions. After fertilizer application, give your plants a good watering to aid the nutrients reach the roots of your plants and permeate the soil.

Compost or other organic waste may be used to improve the nutrition of your dahlias in addition to fertilizer. This will assist the soil become more fertile and provide your plants access to a variety of crucial nutrients.

According to ucanr.edu, it is recommended to plant the delicate tubers of dahlias in a hole that is 10-12 inches deep. It is also advised to add 2 tablespoons of bone meal into the bottom of the hole during planting.

Pinching

Using the straightforward but powerful technique of pinching, you can help your dahlias grow bushier and produce more flowers. It entails cutting off the plant’s growing tip, which promotes branching and the growth of many stems. This may result in a richer, more numerous display of blooms.

Allow your plant to grow to a height of about 12 to 18 inches before beginning to pinch your dahlias. Now search for a leaf node, which is the place where a leaf joins the stem. Just above the leaf node, cut off the growing tip with a pair of clean, sharp scissors.

The plant will grow side branches as a result of the removal of the growing tip, which will result in a bushier, more compact plant. As a result, your dahlias won’t grow too tall or top-heavy, which increases the risk of them bending or breaking from the weight of their blossoms.

When pinching your dahlias, timing is everything. If you pinch your plant too early, you risk stunting its development, and if you pinch it too late, you risk missing the chance to encourage branching. Pinch your dahlias when they are between 12 and 18 inches tall or when they have many pairs of leaves.

Deadheading

The simple yet crucial operation of deadheading may help your dahlias bloom all during the growing season. It entails picking off old blossoms, which helps the plant focus its energy on growing new blooms. By removing any dead or rotting plant material, deadheading also contributes to maintaining a clean look and may help avoid illnesses.

Simply pinch or cut off the spent flowers from your dahlias as soon as they start to fade or wilt to deadhead your plants. Find the flower stem’s base, then cut it off right above a row of leaves. To avoid hurting the plant, use scissors or pruners that are clean, sharp, and well-maintained.

Your dahlias may bloom all season long with regular deadheading. The plant will grow new buds and blooms if you remove the old flowers, which will prolong the color show for many weeks or even months. Regular deadheading is particularly crucial during the peak flowering season, which is typically from mid-summer to early October.

Deadheading may assist in maintaining a neat look in your garden in addition to promoting continual flowering. Removing dead flowers may assist to highlight the beauty of the remaining blossoms and keep your plants from looking messy and untidy.

By eliminating any dead or rotting plant material, deadheading may also assist to avoid infections. This is crucial because fungal illnesses may spread swiftly in moist or humid environments. You may lower the danger of illness and maintain the health and vitality of your dahlias by keeping your plants clear of dead or rotting matter and clean.

Overwinter

Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias are delicate perennial plants. Despite their ability to endure relatively moderate climes, they may not be able to endure freezing temperatures in colder areas. Therefore, it’s crucial to take action to overwinter your dahlias and shield them from the cold if you reside in a region with severe winters.

Digging out the tubers in the autumn, cleaning and drying them, and storing them in a cool, dry spot until spring is the ideal method for overwintering dahlias. Begin by raising the stems of your dahlias 6 inches or so above the ground. The tubers should then be gently dug up using a shovel or garden fork while being cautious not to harm them.

When you’ve finished digging up your dahlias, gently shake off any extra dirt before cleaning up any leftover dust with a soft brush or cloth. After that, let the tubers cure for a few days in a cool, dry area. When they are completely dry, you can store them for the winter in a cool, dry location.

In a cardboard box or paper bag packed with peat moss, vermiculite, or sawdust is the ideal container for storing dahlias. To prevent rotting, make sure the tubers are not touching one another. The box or bag should be kept in a dry, cold location that is between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 and 10 degrees Celsius), such a basement or garage.

Check your dahlias often for rot or disease over the winter. To stop the spread of illness, get rid of any soft or discolored spots very away. To help prevent fungus, you may also sprinkle the tubers with sulfur powder or similar fungicide.

Dahlias may be planted in the garden once again in the spring when the risk of frost has gone. The first step is to amend the soil with compost or other organic material. Next, plant the tubers with the growing tip facing upwards at a depth of around 4-6 inches. To encourage your plants to grow and blossom to their greatest potential, water them often and provide assistance as required.

Care and Maintenance

After planting your dahlias, you still need to take care of them. Your plants must be properly maintained and watched after in order to survive and thrive. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for pests and illnesses on your dahlias since, if ignored, these problems may swiftly harm or kill your plants.

Some of the most frequent pests that may harm dahlias are aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Your plants’ leaves and blossoms may get damaged by these creatures, which in extreme situations may result in reduced development or even death. It’s crucial to keep a watch out for these pests’ telltale indications, such holes in the leaves or discolored patches, and act quickly if you see anything amiss.

Fortunately, there are a number of natural pest control strategies that can assist you in managing pests without endangering the environment or your plants. Introducing beneficial insects that feed on pests and aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings, is a successful strategy. These bugs are available for purchase online or in a neighborhood garden shop. You can then release them in your garden.

Use insecticidal soap, a natural, non-toxic spray that may instantly destroy bugs, as an additional choice. Spray the soap directly over your plants’ afflicted parts, being careful to completely cover the foliage and blooms. To prevent leaf burn, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions and steer clear of spraying during the warmest time of the day.

Dahlias are not only vulnerable to pests, but also to diseases like powdery mildew and fungus. Make sure your plants are evenly spaced and have excellent air circulation to avoid these problems. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves as this can encourage fungal growth. If you do see disease symptoms, get rid of any afflicted leaves or blossoms as once, and think about applying a fungicide to help stop the illness from spreading.

Buying Dahlias in Pots

Choose the bulbs option that requires less time if you’d rather purchase pre-planted dahlias since you may anticipate the bloom to blossom this year or the year after.

Buy Dahlias Bulbs Today – Shop Now.