Cultivating solitary dahlias for your garden
Single-flowered dahlias are an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a bee-friendly space. These attractive additions to the garden are not only visually appealing but also provide a valuable food source for pollinators.
Single-flowered dahlias, such as the 'Joe Swift', 'Bishop of York', 'Bishop of Auckland', and 'Twynings Candy', have open centers that give pollinators easy access to nectar and pollen. They are straightforward to grow from tubers or seed, following standard dahlia care practices.
To grow single-flowered dahlias successfully, here are some essential steps:
- Choose the right varieties: Opt for single-flowered or collarette dahlias, as these forms have exposed stamens and nectar that bees can reach. Avoid fully double types.
- Planting time and site: Plant dahlias after the last frost in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Many sources recommend summer planting of tubers or sowing seed after the frost risk has passed.
- Soil and preparation: Enrich well-drained soil with compost or balanced organic fertilizer before planting to support strong flowering.
- Planting depth and spacing: Plant tubers with the “eye” or shoot facing up, typically about twice as deep as the tuber is high and spaced according to the variety. Stake tall varieties at planting time to support stems.
- Watering and mulch: Water regularly while establishing and during dry spells, and apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizer and feeding: Light feeding with a low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus fertilizer encourages blooms rather than excessive foliage.
- Deadheading and maintenance: Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering through the season, maintaining a steady food source for bees.
- Overwintering (if applicable): In cold climates, dig and store tubers in a cool, dry, frost-free place after foliage dies back, unless your area is frost-free, and tubers can remain in the ground.
To maximize bee value, consider planting in groups, including early-, mid-, and late-season single-flowered dahlias and other nectar sources. Avoid using systemic insecticides, especially neonicotinoids, and apply any pest control only in the evening when bees are inactive. Mix dahlias with other pollinator plants to increase diversity and seasonal continuity of nectar and pollen.
For first-time growers, here's a quick practical checklist:
- Buy single/collarette varieties labeled bee-friendly or “single” bloom form.
- Plant after last frost in full sun, well-drained composted soil, tuber pointed side up, and staked if tall.
- Water regularly, mulch, feed lightly with bloom-promoting fertilizer, deadhead spent flowers.
- Leave some seed heads/flowers slightly undisturbed late in the season if you want to support late foragers (but finish tuber lift if you must store them for winter).
Single-flowered dahlias are available from various retailers, including de Jager, Crocus, and Waitrose. For specific cultivars known to attract bees and perform reliably in your USDA hardiness zone, feel free to ask for recommendations.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful, bee-friendly garden filled with vibrant single-flowered dahlias.
- Combining single-flowered dahlias with home-and-garden plants like marigolds and zinnias can create a blooming oasis that enhances your lifestyle while supporting bee populations.
- To make your garden a haven for pollinators and improve your home-and-garden experience, consider prioritizing single-flowered dahlias in your gardening pursuits alongside home-and-garden favorites such as vegetables and herbs.
