By Namita S Kalla | May 20, 2025 | Image: Canva
Dahlias love full sun, at least 6 hours a day. Pick a spot with good air circulation and well-drained soil
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Healthy, firm tubers (not shrivelled) are key. Plant them in spring after the last frost when the soil warms up
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Dig a hole 10–15 cm deep. Place the tuber horizontally with the eye facing up, then cover with soil
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Water lightly after planting. Once growth begins, water deeply 2–3 times a week depending on weather and soil
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Use a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 3–4 weeks once plants are growing. Too much nitrogen is equal to more leaves, fewer flowers
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Dahlias can grow tall and heavy with blooms. Support them with bamboo stakes or tomato cages as they grow
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Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering through summer and early autumn
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Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and earwigs. Neem oil spray or soapy water can help control them
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Each spring, divide healthy tubers before planting. This helps prevent overcrowding and gives you more plants for next year
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