Dahlias rank among the most popular flowers in the UK.
This is because they are simple to grow and maintain, and come in a wide variety of colours.
That makes them a good way to transform your garden into a multi-hued marvel without having to research lots of different plants. This article will provide a basic guide to planting them.
Ground planting
Dahlias generally flower quite late in the summer, so the best time for putting the tubers into the ground is the middle of April.
That way, you will be able to sit back in your Outback reclining chairs come August, and gaze at a beautiful sea of blooms. You will get the best results if the soil is fertile and rich, and if they are planted where the sun can catch them.
Add manure to your planting hole before placing them in, and lay fertiliser on top of the soil.
The tubers should be between 10 and 15cm deep into the soil, and spaced 75cm from each other. You just need to maintain damp soil, so be careful not to overwater.
Container planting
If you have a greenhouse, you can put the potted dahlia tubers in there – they will flower earlier in the summer that way.
The containers should be a minimum of 30cm in depth and width, and must have holes at the base to drain off excess water. Again, add manure that is well-rotted to the bottom of the pot and lay your chosen fertiliser on top. It’s best to stick to one tuber for each container.
Visit your local garden centre to ensure your dahlias are planted in time for summer!
