Boost your dahlia production with this single gardening technique, promising a bounty of stunning flowers this growing season
In the world of garden blooms, dahlias stand out as a cost-effective and visually striking choice. These vibrant, colourful plants can brighten up any garden from summer through to the first frosts. Here's a simple guide on how to get the most out of your dahlia plants.
To double the number of flowers on a dahlia plant, pinch out the growing tip when it reaches about 30cm tall. This encourages the plant to produce multiple new side branches, leading to more flower stems and blooms.
Regularly deadheading dahlias is also crucial. Snip off fading blooms just above a leaf node, stimulating the plant to keep producing more flowers throughout the growing season. A weekly deadheading routine is usually sufficient, continuing until frost ends the growing season.
Pinch out the main growing tip at the right time to promote branching and increase bloom quantity. Deadhead fading flowers regularly to extend blooming duration and quantity. Both practices together maximize your dahlias’ flowering potential all season long.
Proper care is essential for dahliies. They need to be kept hydrated, especially in dry conditions. Mulching the soil can help retain moisture and prevent weeds. If the soil hasn't been mulched, dahlias may need an extra feed every couple of weeks during flowering.
A balanced fertiliser early in the season, followed by a high-potash feed once buds start forming, supports strong, productive plants. Taller varieties of dahlias should be staked to keep them upright and healthy.
There are many varieties and colours of dahlias to choose from. 'Cafe au Lait at Crocus', for example, boasts large, off-white/creamy flowers, while 'Bishop of Llandaff at Crocus' is known for producing a lot of flowers and having dark foliage and bright red flowers. 'Kelvin Floodlight at Crocus' offers vibrant, yellow, dinner plate size flowers.
Hopes Grove Nurseries, based in the UK, is the country's only specialist grower-retailer of hedging plants. Founded by Morris Hankinson, the nursery provides a wide range of dahlia varieties for gardeners to enjoy.
Kayleigh Dray, the Acting Content Editor of the platform, oversees the creation and publication of articles on gardening and other lifestyle topics. With a decade-long career as a journalist and editor across leading lifestyle brands, she brings a wealth of experience to the team.
So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, dahlias are a fantastic addition to any garden. With a bit of care and these simple tips, you can enjoy a bounty of beautiful blooms all summer long.
Cultivating dahlias in your home-and-garden lifestyle can result in a plethora of radiant flowers. To boost the quantity of blooms on your dahlia plants, pinch out the growing tip when it reaches about 30cm tall and regularly deadhead fading blooms. These practices will maximize your dahlias’ flowering potential, making your garden a vibrant spectacle from summer through to the first frosts.
