Why Should You Grow Dahlias?
5 Things to Know About These Late-Summer Blooms
Are you looking to add a burst of color to your garden toward the end of the summer? Dahlias are easy to grow and come in many different colors that can brighten your garden as fall approaches.
If you’re wondering whether these flowers are right for you, here are 5 reasons why dahlias are one of our favorite blooms.
1.) Dahlias are easy to grow
These flowers are beginner-friendly - they are strong, hardy plants that produce lots of large blooms for you to enjoy with minimal input on your part. You can plant tubers directly into the ground in the spring after the soil thaws and the risk of frost is low. A good rule of thumb is to plant your dahlias at the same time as your tomatoes. Dahlia flowers need partial to full sun and grow best tied to a stake. You can also grow them in pots. After your tubers are planted, the hard part is done! Young dahlias don’t require a lot of water - just be sure to check them a few times per week and water if needed.
2.) They bloom at the end of summer
The timing of dahlias is one of the tops reasons they are beloved by gardeners around the world. As the rest of your flowers begin to fade away at the end of summer, dahlias are just beginning to come to life. From mid-July up until the end of the growing season, these flowers will produce beautiful, bountiful blooms. Many gardeners compare the dahlia growing season to that of tomatoes. Dahlias will continue to bloom prolifically up until the first frost arrives in the fall.
3.) There are lots of colors to choose from
Dahlias come in a vast range of colors and varieties. From deep reds, to bright whites, to vibrant pinks and corals, there are many types to choose from. You can pick a few colors to start with, or go all-in if one particular color catches your eye. The possibilities are truly endless! Whichever color you choose, you’re sure to have a beautiful, vibrant garden when they’re planted.
4.) Dahlias are cut and come again flowers
Dahlias provide a steady source of fresh flowers. In fact, the more cuttings you take off of the plant, the more it encourages new buds to grow. So harvesting flowers for your kitchen table only results in more beautiful blooms! You can enjoy fresh-cut dahlias throughout their long growing season, without worrying about impacting plant growth.
5.) Dahlia tubers can be stored and used the next year
Once the first frost hits and your dahlia plants die for the season, you may be tempted to leave them to rot in the garden. But lying under the surface is a treasure trove of tubers that are waiting to be harvested. Each dahlia plant produces six or more tubers that can be dug up, stored, and grown the following year. This is an easy, cheap way to expand your dahlia garden each year!
As you can see, dahlia flowers are an easy way to add a pop of color to your garden as summer winds down.
Try your hand at growing these colorful blooms today!