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Dahlia GrowingGuideFall's Most Spectacular Flowers

Dahlias are the crown jewels of autumn gardens, producing an incredible variety of colorful blooms from midsummer until frost. Learn to grow these stunning flowers from tubers to magnificent displays.

Light

Full Sun (6+ hours)

Water

Regular, Deep Watering

Bloom Time

Mid-Summer to Frost

Hardiness

Zones 7-10 (tender)

Pro Tip

Start dahlia tubers indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date for earlier blooms and stronger plants.

flowers/dahlia beautiful flower display, showing vibrant colors and healthy growth

Mixed dahlia varieties in fall display

Showing dinner plate, decorative, and cactus dahlia types

Popular DahliaTypes

Dinner Plate

8-12"

Massive blooms perfect for dramatic garden statements

Best for: Focal points, cut flowers

Decorative

4-8"

Classic dahlia form with full, rounded petals

Best for: General garden use, bouquets

Cactus

3-6"

Spiky, pointed petals create unique texture

Best for: Modern gardens, arrangements

Pompon

2-3"

Small, perfectly round balls of petals

Best for: Borders, container gardens

How to PlantDahlia Tubers

Dahlias grow from tubers (not bulbs) and are tender perennials that must be lifted and stored over winter in cold climates. Success starts with quality tubers and proper planting technique.

Prepare Tubers

Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost

Choose Location

Full sun (6+ hours) with morning sun priority

Prepare Soil

Well-draining, rich soil with pH 6.0-7.0

Plant Depth

4-6 inches deep with eye facing up

Support System

Install stakes for tall varieties at planting

Water Carefully

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged

Seasonal CareCalendar

🌱

Feb-Mar

Start tubers indoors in pots

🌿

May

Plant outside after soil warms to 60°F

✂️

Jun-Jul

Pinch tips for bushier growth, begin feeding

🌸

Aug-Sep

Peak blooming period, deadhead regularly

🍂

Oct

First frost kills foliage, time to lift tubers

📦

Nov-Jan

Store tubers in cool, dry place over winter

Expert GrowingTips

💧 Watering Strategy

Water deeply 2-3 times per week
Avoid getting water on foliage
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses
Mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds

🌱 Feeding Program

Apply balanced fertilizer at planting
Switch to low-nitrogen in summer
Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season
Stop feeding 6 weeks before frost

✂️ Pinching & Deadheading

Pinch growing tips when 12" tall
Remove side buds for larger blooms
Deadhead spent flowers regularly
Cut stems at 45-degree angle

🎯 Staking Support

Install stakes at planting time
Use 6-8' stakes for tall varieties
Tie loosely with soft materials
Check and adjust ties regularly

Winter TuberStorage

Lifting and Storing Dahlia Tubers

1
Wait for frost: Let first frost kill foliage naturally
2
Cut stems: Leave 4-6 inches of stem attached
3
Dig carefully: Use fork to lift entire clump
4
Clean and dry: Remove soil, let dry for 1-2 weeks
5
Divide (optional): Separate tubers with eyes attached
6
Store properly: Pack in peat moss or sawdust
7
Monitor storage: Check monthly, remove any rotting tubers

Storage Conditions:

Temperature: 40-50°F (4-10°C) • Humidity: 60-70% • Location: Dark, well-ventilated

Quick Reference

Plant Type:Tender Perennial

Height:1-8 feet

Spacing:12-24 inches

Bloom Size:2-12 inches

Colors:All except blue

Best Climate:Cool summers

Popular Varieties

'Cafe au Lait'

Huge cream dinner plate blooms

'Bishop of Llandaff'

Red flowers, dark bronze foliage

'Labyrinth'

Orange and yellow decorative

'David Howard'

Orange blooms, dark foliage

Reviewed by

Dr. Maya Chen

Dr. Maya Chen validates every step of this dahlia care plan—from tuber storage to staking techniques. With certified professional horticulturist (cph), ms in plant science, she tests cultivars annually to keep our recommendations aligned with professional grower practices.

Latest technical review

September 2025

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Image credits

Hero photo by Madara via Unsplash
Supporting photo by Nicole Keller on Unsplash
Supporting photo by Tobias Arweiler on Unsplash

Primary references

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