The lowdown on growing dahlias

Lets focus on the now, live in the moment …..

most of the time this is a good idea, but us gardeners need to step out of that zone from time to time and plan ahead, but without getting into a frenzy, I’m taking one step at a time and focusing on dahlias.

Super trendy for their colorful, exuberent flowers and pretty easy to grow too …. remember when they were seen as old fashioned, a bit fuddy-duddy? I’ve been ordering new dahlias to add to my small collection, I want some new colours and types and spending the winter in the shed has left some of my dahlias a bit mouldy.

The RHS Flower Show at Wisley and the Trial Fields last year, were particularly inspiring, and informative, I’m very grateful to have it almost on my doorstep.

The lowdown on growing dahlias:

Originally from Mexico, you can see why they like protecting from a British winter, they can be planted outside when all likelihood of frost has gone Plant them in a sunny, open place, in rich soil that doesn’t stay wet.

• They need stakes. or some kind of support as they grow.
• Fertiliser once a week as the flowers come, tomato feed has the right ingredients to encourage flowers.
• Water them if it has’t rained for 3 or 4 days.
• pick off faded flowers to encourage new ones … and that’s about it.

If you don’t have a greenhouse, they can be bought ‘garden ready’ from Halls of Haddon, who’ll send them to you at the right time for planting outside, but you need to order before 20th of April.

I’ve sent my order, so I’m moving on to the next job.

Find Halls of Heddon here, more about The Garden gate Flower company here and the Port Eliot Festival here.

Jill

all photos: Jill Anderson