Growing Dahlias with The Flowersmith Studio
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CHOOSING A SITE Dahlias thrive in a sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While they will tolerate some light shade, more sun generally means stronger plants, sturdier stems, and more abundant flowering. Avoid areas where water tends to collect after heavy rain, as tubers dislike prolonged wet conditions A sheltered position protected from strong winds will help prevent damage to stems and blooms later in the season. |
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PLANTING YOUR TUBERS Plant tubers outdoors once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. Dig a hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the tuber. Position it horizontally with the growing eye facing upwards and cover with soil. Allow sufficient spacing between plants to encourage good airflow and healthy growth. Water lightly after planting and wait until shoots emerge before increasing watering. Patience is often rewarded—some varieties emerge quickly while others take a little longer to wake up. |
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Most dahlias benefit from support, particularly taller varieties grown for cutting. Install stakes, canes, or support netting at planting time to avoid disturbing roots later in the season. As plants grow, loosely secure stems to their supports to protect them from strong winds and heavy rain. Providing support early allows plants to develop naturally while reducing the risk of damage as flowering begins. |
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WATERING Once established, dahlias appreciate consistent moisture during periods of active growth and flowering. Water deeply during dry spells rather than applying small amounts frequently. Deep watering encourages stronger root development and more resilient plants. Container-grown dahlias may require more regular watering than those planted directly in the ground. Avoid water logging, particularly early in the season when tubers are establishing. |
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FEEDING Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy dahlias. A balanced fertiliser can be applied throughout the growing season to encourage strong growth and abundant flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen-rich feeds, which can result in lush foliage but fewer blooms. A steady, balanced approach will usually provide the best results. |
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CUTTING FLOWERS One of the joys of growing dahlias is bringing them indoors. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce even more blooms throughout the season. Cut flowers during the cool of the morning or evening and place them immediately into fresh water. The more you cut, the more flowers your plants will produce. |
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SEASONAL CARE Dahlias will continue flowering until the first frost. At the end of the season, gardeners may choose to lift and store tubers over winter or leave them in the ground where conditions are suitable. Local climate, soil type, drainage, and growing conditions will all influence which approach works best. Store lifted tubers in a cool, frost-free location until spring. |
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At The Flowersmith Studio, we believe flowers should be enjoyed in every stage of their journey—from the first emerging shoot to the final arrangement on the table. Dahlias bring beauty to the garden, abundance to the vase, and inspiration to seasonal floral design. They are among the most generous flowers we grow, rewarding even a small amount of care with months of colour and armfuls of blooms. If you’d like to deepen your knowledge further, we invite you to explore our in-person workshops and our online courses where we share practical techniques, seasonal inspiration, and hands-on experience from our cutting garden. We hope you enjoy growing them as much as we do. THE FLOWERSMITH STUDIO |
