Indoor-started plants need to be hardened off before going outside. Start by putting them in the shade for a few days or covering them with horticultural fleece so the leaves don’t get scorched.

 

Try planting them out on cloudy days when the sun is milder. Dahlias are cold-sensitive and isn't frost-hardy, so wait until the last frost date has passed. If temps drop, cover them with fleece - we recommend this until they’ve grown stronger, anyway.

 

Snip off the bottom pair of leaves and plant them as deep as possible. New roots and tubers develop where the leaves used to be. Dahlias are hungry plants! Once they start growing properly, it’s super important to feed them regularly - think liquid fertilizer (like chicken manure) roughly every two weeks. To keep them blooming, just keep deadheading (pinching off spent flowers) as you go. That way, the plant focuses energy on making new buds.

 

Dahlias love full sun and consistent watering. Make sure the soil stays moist, especially in dry spells. Letting them dry out or uneven watering can lead to powdery mildew.

 

Don't forget to stake your dahlias so they don’t get damaged or break.

 

During the season, the plant forms tubers that you can dig up and save for next year.

 

The look of the flowers depends on a several factors, like temperature, light, planting spot, water, and nutrients. It’s natural for them to vary in shape and color during the season.

 

Happy planting 💕