Dahila Planting Guide

How to Grow & Care for Dahlias

Enjoy this late-summer beauty in your garden and cultivate stunning dahlias! Dahlias are a cherished cottage garden flower with a reputation for being demanding divas.

Planting:
When: Plant tubers after the last frost (typically late May in Calgary). The soil needs to be warm.
Where: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Well-draining soil is key. Add compost for extra nutrients.
Spacing: Space plants about 12–18" apart, depending on variety size.
Depth: Plant the tuber horizontally with the “eye” facing up, about 4–6" deep.

Growing Tips:
Watering: Water deeply after sprouting. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Staking: Tall varieties benefit from staking early to prevent flopping. Calgary winds will knock Dahlias over, and they can snap and break.
Feeding: Fertilize monthly with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once plants are growing well.
Pinching: Once the plant is about 12" tall, pinch out the top growing tip for bushier plants and more blooms.

Bloom Time:
Dahlias bloom mid-summer until fall frost.  Be sure to deadhead (remove) spent blooms to get continuous flowers.

End of Season:
After a hard frost, usually late September in Calgary, cut back stems and dig up tubers if you want to save them. Let them dry, then store in a cool, dark, frost-free place until spring. Dahlias are annuals in Calgary, meaning they will not come back next year if you leave them out for the winter. 

Happy planting!

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