Preparing Dahlias After Blooming: A 4-Step Guide to Maintain Summer Spreads and Ready for Next Year's Blossoms
In the world of gardening, few plants capture the essence of summer quite like dahlias. Known for their vibrant blooms that span from summer through fall, these beauties are a must-have for any garden enthusiast. To ensure healthy dahlias year after year, follow these simple steps.
1. Deadheading
Regularly remove faded flowers by cutting the stem about 12 inches below the bloom. This practice, known as deadheading, encourages continuous blooming throughout the season. Deadhead once a week until the first frost kills the above-ground parts of the plant [1].
2. Cutting Back at Season's End
After the first frost, cut back the stems to a few inches above the ground. This step prepares the dahlias for winter [2].
3. Lifting and Storing Tubers
Carefully dig up the tubers once the foliage has died back (after frost). Remove excess soil and let the tubers dry thoroughly. Store them in a cool, dry, and frost-free place such as a garage or shed. Avoid moisture to prevent rot [2].
4. Replanting in Spring
Replant the stored tubers in spring when the soil has warmed and there is no risk of frost. Prepare well-draining, fertile soil and ensure the site receives full sun for best growth [2][3].
Additional care tips include:
- Pinch dahlias when they reach 10-12 inches tall early in the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more blooms [1][4][5].
- Stop watering potted dahlias at the end of summer before bringing them indoors to protect them from frost during winter.
By following this cycle of deadheading during summer, cutting back after frost, lifting and storing tubers over winter, and replanting in spring, you can enjoy healthy dahlias and vibrant blooms year after year.
Dahlias can also be lifted from the soil and stored indoors to protect them from cold temperatures. New growth will initiate from eyes near each tuber's neck. Pre-sprouted tubers can be moved into the garden once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed.
Dahlias can be potted and grown in containers, allowing for consistent moisture. To encourage sprouting, store tubers in a warm location. Dahlias should be cut back after the first frost to prepare for winter.
For sharp cuts when lifting and storing dahlias, the Secateurs Set from Spear & Jackson is a good choice. You can pot dahlia plants into individual containers before moving them to the garden.
Remember, properly cared-for dahlias can bloom again in summer next year. Deadheading, or the removal of faded blooms, extends the display of dahlias. The production of blooms will likely decrease over time, especially in high temperatures or dry conditions.
Tonya Barnett, a gardening enthusiast with 13 years of experience, shares her gardening journey on her YouTube channel. With these tips in mind, we hope you'll enjoy growing and caring for your own dahlias. Happy gardening!
[1] Barnett, T. (2021). Dahlia Care 101: Tips for a Successful Dahlia Garden. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/gardening/articles/dahlia-care-101-tips-successful-dahlia-garden
[2] Barnett, T. (2021). How to Dig Up, Store and Overwinter Dahlias. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/gardening/articles/how-dig-up-store-and-overwinter-dahlias
[3] Barnett, T. (2021). How to Plant Dahlias in Spring. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/gardening/articles/how-plant-dahlias-spring
[4] Barnett, T. (2021). How to Pinching Dahlias for More Blooms. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/gardening/articles/how-pinching-dahlias-more-blooms
[5] Barnett, T. (2021). How to Grow Dahlias in Containers. [Blog post] Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/gardening/articles/how-grow-dahlias-containers
- To maintain a continuous bloom and enhance the beauty of your dahlias, implement regular deadheading practices — cutting the stem about 12 inches below the bloom on a weekly basis until the first frost.
- Come winter, ensure your dahlias are well-prepared for the upcoming season by cutting back the stems down to a few inches above the ground after the first frost, and storing the tubers in a cool, dry, and frost-free area to prevent moisture and rot.
