Caring for dahlias

Caring for dahlias once they are flowering means giving them love and attention (!) and if you want them to flower the following year, then follow our guide;

Pruning and Deadheading

• Pinching: When the plants are about 12 inches tall, pinch out the top growth to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from going to seed.

Pest and Disease Management

• Slugs and Snails: Protect young plants from these pests by using barriers or organic slug pellets.
• Powdery Mildew: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of this fungal disease.

End of Season Care

• Frost Protection: In colder climates, dahlia tubers must be dug up and stored after the first frost.
• Digging Up Tubers: Cut back the foliage after the first frost blackens it, then carefully dig up the tubers.
• Storing Tubers: Allow tubers to dry for a few days, then store them in a cool, dry place (40-50°F) in peat moss, sawdust, or sand. Check them periodically for signs of rot.

Propagation

• Dividing Tubers: In spring, before planting, divide tubers with at least one eye each to propagate more plants.
• Cuttings: You can also take cuttings from new shoots in spring to start new plants.

Winter Care (if not lifting tubers)

• Mulching: In mild climates, you can leave tubers in the ground over winter but this is Scotland (!) so mulch heavily to protect them from frost.