Table of Contents:
Introduction
Dahlias are truly the charming eye-catchers your garden is waiting for! You'll find them in all sorts of lovely shapes and sizes – from small, cheerful bulbs to those impressively large blooms. People who visit our homes often can't believe their eyes. The great thing about dahlias is that there's always one that's perfect for you. Do you prefer soft pastel shades, or do you love those wonderfully striking colors you can spot from far away? With dahlias, you can do anything, and that's precisely why we love them so much. In this article, I'll take you on a dahlia journey through everything you need to know to plant and care for these beautiful flowers yourself. I'll give you handy tips on watering, choosing the right varieties, and how to make your dahlias truly shine in your garden. Before you know it, you'll have created your own floral paradise – and believe me, that feels really good!
First, some important 'secrets' about planting dahlia tubers
- Plant dahlia tubers after the last frost, usually from mid-May to early June.
- Dahlias need a sunny spot and nutritious, well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Plant tubers 5-8 cm deep with 40-50 cm spacing between each other
- You can force dahlia tubers in pots starting in March. This will result in earlier flowering and stronger plants.
- Dahlias are not winter-hardy and should be dug up in the fall. It's wise to prune the dahlia stems back to 15 cm before digging up the tubers. Let the dahlia tubers dry for a few days after digging them up to prevent mold.
Dahlia varieties: colors, shapes, and heights
Dahlias – you probably know them, those beautiful flowers that really bring your garden to life! The great thing is that there are so many different varieties, you're guaranteed to find a dahlia that perfectly suits you. Do you love soft, soothing colors? Or do you prefer those bright pink ones that make your neighbors jealous? And then there are those beautiful, almost black dahlias – truly special! With over 40 different varieties and tens of thousands of cultivated varieties, you can go in any direction. Did you know, by the way, that the dahlia originated in Mexico and is even the national flower there?
When it comes to colors, you can go wild: white, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, and even cute bicolor varieties. Dahlias are available in both soft pastel shades and bright colors, so there's something for everyone. And then there are the shapes—truly, they're all different! You have those adorable single-flowered dahlias with their open hearts, but also those beautiful pompom-shaped ones that look like someone has crafted them. Pompom dahlias have spherical, compact flowers with many petals. The cactus and ball-shaped varieties are real eye-catchers in your border. Cactus dahlias have long, narrow, abundantly branched petals that give them a spiky appearance. Some stay nice and compact (perfect for your balcony or in a pot), while others simply grow to a height of up to five feet—ideal if you want a real eye-catcher at the back of the border. Although dahlias are available in a wide range of colors, you won't find blue. Dinnerplate dahlias are known for their large, impressive flowers that are a real show-stopper in the garden.
It's helpful to take some time to think about what suits your space best. Don't have much space? Then go for a compact variety – they'll do just fine! Want a lush, colorful garden that will wow everyone? Then mix and match different varieties and heights for a playful, cheerful effect. The great thing is that you can try new dahlias every year and redesign your garden. Did you know that some dahlias can reach a height of up to 2 meters? Have fun choosing!
