Dahlia Flowers: The Complete Guide to Growing & Caring for These Beautiful Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Dahlias in Europe

About Dahlia Flowers

• Dahlias are tuberous plants that come in a wide range of colors and sizes.
• They are native to Mexico, but they are now grown all over the world, including Europe.

Are Dahlias Perennials or Annuals?

• Dahlias are tender perennials in their native warm climate in Mexico.
• In Europe, they are considered perennials in hardiness zones 8 and higher.
• However, in colder regions (zones 7 and lower), dahlias are treated as annuals.
• Luckily, cold-weather gardeners can also just dig up the tubers after the first fall frost and store them in their garage until spring.

Planting Dahlias Flowers

• Dahlias thrive in 6 to 8 hours of direct sun, especially morning sunlight, and they benefit from protection from wind.
• They grow best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Plant dahlias when the soil reaches 60 °F (15°C) and any danger of frost has passed.

How to Plant Dahlias

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
2. Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep.
3. Place the tuber in the hole with the growing points facing up.
4. Cover the tuber with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
5. Water the tuber well.

Growing Dahlias

• Once the dahlias are planted, water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize the dahlias every 3 to 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

Tips for Growing Dahlias in Europe

• In colder climates, start dahlia tubers indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.
• Plant dahlia tubers in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
• Water dahlias regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize dahlias every 3 to 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

• In colder climates, dig up dahlia tubers in the fall and store them over the winter.

Popular Dahlia Varieties for Europe

• Some popular dahlia varieties for Europe include:
  • Bishop of Llandaff
  • Miss Rose Fletcher
  • Bonne Esperance
  • Kidd’s Climax
  • Jersey’s Beauty

Harvesting Dahlias

• To harvest dahlias, simply cut the stems with a sharp knife.
• Cut the stems in the morning, before the heat of the day.
• Place the cut stems in a bucket of cool water.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the stems and place them in a vase of fresh water.

Digging Up and Storing Dahlia Tubers

• In colder climates, dahlias will need to be dug up and stored over the winter.
• To dig up dahlia tubers, cut back the foliage to 2 to 4 inches tall.
• Carefully dig around the tubers with a pitchfork or shovel.
• Lift the clump of tubers and shake off the excess soil.
• Place the tubers in a cool, dry place to dry for a few days.
• Once the tubers are dry, pack them in loose, fluffy material, such as vermiculite or dry sand.

• Store the tubers in a cool, dark place over the winter.

Conclusion

Dahlias are beautiful and easy-to-grow flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With proper care, dahlias will bloom for months on end.