Guide for Maintaining Dahlias Post-Bloom: 4 Essential Steps to Protect Summer Garden and Prepare for Future Blooms
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Dahlias, known for their vibrant blooms that brighten up gardens from summer through fall, require careful attention to ensure a bountiful display year after year. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to care for these stunning flowers.
After the blooming season, it's essential to continue deadheading (removing faded blooms) regularly to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy garden. This practice not only extends the bloom time but also helps the plants to rebloom as temperatures start to cool in the fall [1][3][5].
When the first frost arrives, it marks the end of the dahlia flowering season. At this point, allow the plants to stand for several weeks to let the tubers mature underground. Then, cut the stems back to ground level [1].
In late fall, lift the dahlia tubers by carefully digging them up after the foliage has died back. Clean off soil and dry the tubers thoroughly before storing. Store them in a cool, dry place, free from frost and excess moisture to prevent rotting [4]. Common storage locations include a basement, garage, or similar environment where temperatures remain cool but above freezing.
In spring, replant the tubers after the danger of frost has passed, typically when soil temperatures warm up. Plant them in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, and maintain consistent watering to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms [3][4].
When lifting dahlias, it's crucial to position the shovel carefully to prevent accidental damage to the tubers. A great-value Secateurs Set from Spear & Jackson is available for sharp cuts when lifting and storing dahlias [7].
After cutting back, all dead or decaying plant matter should be removed to prevent the spread of disease in beds [2]. Snip just above a leaf node using shears like Scotts' Straight Tip Floral Shears when deadheading dahlias [6].
For those who prefer a user-friendly way to monitor temperature and humidity during storage, the ThermoPro TP50 Hygrometer is a suitable choice [8].
Dahlia clumps can be divided or stored whole through winter. Pack tubers in wood shavings, peat, or vermiculite for protection during storage [4]. Tubers may be left in the ground through winter where hardy, or lifted and stored indoors for protection [9].
In summary:
- Deadhead blooms regularly after flowering to extend bloom time [1][3][5]
- After first frost, let plants stand for a few weeks, then cut back stems to ground [1]
- Lift tubers in late fall, clean, dry, and store in cool, dry frost-free location over winter [4]
- Replant tubers in spring after frost danger has passed in full sun and well-drained soil [3][4]
- After lifting dahlias, excess soil should be removed to provide a clear view of the dahlia clump.
- Routine deadheading, or the removal of faded blooms, is a good way to extend the display of dahlias.
- Back to the Roots Organic Vermiculite is available on Amazon for tuber storage [10].
[1] [https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/dahlia/dahlia-deadheading.htm] [2] [https://www.almanac.com/plant/dahlia] [3] [https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plants/bulbs-and-tubers/dahlia/how-to-plant-dahlias/] [4] [https://www.almanac.com/plant/dahlia/how-to-store-dahlia-tubers] [5] [https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/hp/h30634/how-to-get-dahlias-to-rebloom.htm] [6] [https://www.bhg.com/gardening/tools/shears/scotts-straight-tip-floral-shears-sf1000/] [7] [https://www.spear-and-jackson.com/uk/en/products/garden-tools/secateurs/secateurs-set/] [8] [https://www.thermopro.com/uk/en/products/hygrometer-thermometer/tp50-hygrometer-thermometer-white] [9] [https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plants/bulbs-and-tubers/dahlia/how-to-store-dahlia-tubers/] [10] [https://www.amazon.com/Back-Roots-Organic-Vermiculite-Tuber/dp/B004Q04E18]
- Routinely removing faded blooms (deadheading) from your dahlias encourages reblooming and maintains a tidy home-and-garden, especially as temperatures start to cool in the fall, extending the bloom time.
- In late fall, after the foliage has died back, carefully dig up dahlia tubers, clean them off, dry thoroughly, and store in a cool, dry home environment free from frost and excess moisture to ensure they remain healthy for replanting in spring.
