Methods for Cultivating Dahlias: A Growing Guide

Dahlias, with their captivating blooms and diverse colours, are a delightful addition to any garden. Originating from Mexico and brought to Europe by Spanish botanists in the late 18th century, these flowers were named after Andrés Díaz-Padrón, the botanist who made them known in Europe.

These prolific cut flowers thrive in various garden styles, from a charming cottage-style border to a lush, exotic scheme. They are perfect for adding late summer colour to borders, blooming from July to October. Dahlias come in a wide range of hues, from pale pastels to hot, vibrant shades, making them a versatile choice for any garden.

Dahlias are not just visually appealing, but they also encourage biodiversity. While most dahlias are not attractive to pollinators, including some single-flowered varieties can be beneficial for bees and butterflies. Single dahlias, such as 'Joe Swift', 'Bishop of Llandaff', 'Roxy' and 'Fireworks Mixed', have a single ring of petals that circle around a central disc, making them attractive to pollinators.

Dahlias look especially striking when paired with cosmos, grasses, Verbena bonariensis, or cannas. For those seeking a more compact option, dwarf varieties can be grown as bedding, while more compact varieties grow well in pots.

After the growing season, dahlias need to be lifted and stored over winter to survive in many parts of the country. To lift dahlias for winter, cut the stems back to about 12cm, gently lift the tuber with a garden fork, remove the soil with your fingers, and dry out the tubers for a couple of weeks in a dry place. Once dry, place the tubers in a cool, frost-free place in a shallow tray of dry compost or horticultural sand. Do not water them.

Alternatively, if you live in a mild area with well-drained soil, or don't have the space to lift and store dahlia tubers, you can cover the soil with a thick layer of mushroom compost and straw to protect them from frost.

It's also possible to grow dahlias from seed. If you have a good-sized dahlia tuber, you can divide it in spring to produce multiple new plants. Additionally, dahlias can be propagated by taking basal cuttings in spring, which will give you around five new plants for free.

However, dahlias can be prone to attack from earwigs, slugs, snails, and capsid bugs. To protect your dahlias, consider using organic pest control methods or creating a barrier around the plants.

Despite their tender nature, dahlias are worth the care they require. With their stunning blooms and ability to produce numerous flowers when cut, these flowers are a joy to grow and admire. So, why not give dahlias a try and bring some vibrant colour to your garden this summer?