Early Season Hints for New Dahlia Growers
By Alan Fisher, February 28, 2022: Where to Find Dahlia Tubers and Plants in spring Most commercial dahlia growers are sold out by now. Your best bet for tubers and plants now is Local dahlia societies. Also, local dahlia societies tend to have newer stock than mass merchants, a secondary source. Planning Your Dahlia Garden 1. One should test the soil set aside for dahlias at least every three years; more often if convenient. Later I’ll go over how to read a soil analysis – what is important and what is less important. 2. Plan what to grow where. Dahlia plants can grow tall and bushy. I recommend tying dahlia plants to sturdy stakes. I can show how I tie my plants, and I invite NCDS members to come to my Rockville dahlia farm periodically during the season to see in person. John Spangenberg and some others use plastic mesh and have the plants grow through the mesh to hold them in place. Most commercial growers use this sort of system, and you will see it at the NCDS trial garden....
Fundamentals of Growing Dahlias
Dahlias are easy plants to grow and yield beautiful blooms from mid-summer through fall. In many respects, “dahlia culture” is similar to “tomato culture.” If you can grow tomatoes in your garden, you can successfully grow dahlias. The following notes will help you to add spectacular blooms and brilliant color to your garden! https://www.dahlia.org/growing/fundamentals-of-growing-dahlias/