Dahlias or georgines are very valued as colorful summer bloomers in the garden and in pots. Sometimes the pretty flowers just don't want to bloom. What could be the problem and what can you do to ensure that the dahlias develop lots of colorful flowers?
Why isn't my dahlia blooming?
Dahlias may not bloom due to poor location, soil that is too wet, lack of nutrients, or tubers that are too large. To encourage flower production, plant dahlias in sunny locations, amend the soil, fertilize organically, and divide overly large tubers before planting.
Why aren't the dahlias blooming?
Various factors can lead to georgines not developing flowers at all or to the flower buds not opening but turning brown and rotting on the bush:
- Inconvenient location
- Too wet soil
- Lack of nutrients
- Bulbs too big
Wrong location
Dahlias are native to Mexico. The georgines grow there in bright sunlight. Plant georgines in a location that is as sunny as possible. Although they can tolerate partial shade, they don't develop nearly as many flowers there.
The dahlias should also be placed as sunny as possible on the terrace. But then they have to be watered more often.
Soil too wet
There is one thing that dahlias cannot tolerate at all. This is soil that is too wet and the moisture cannot drain away.
Loosen the soil thoroughly before planting. It is best to mix clayey soils with sand to make them more permeable.
Water the georgines regularly but be sure to avoid waterlogging.
Too few or wrong nutrients
Use only organic fertilizer to provide the dahlia with nutrients. Artificial fertilizers contain too much nitrogen. It stimulates the plant to form many stems so that there is no energy left for flowers.
Prepare the soil well before planting by improving it with mature compost and horn shavings (€52.00 at Amazon). A slightly acidic soil with a pH value of 6.5 is ideal.
Divide tubers that are too large
Dahlias that have too many tubers bloom less. If the individual tubers are too close together, they will deprive each other of nutrients. Divide tubers that are too large before planting. You can use the separated pieces for propagation.
Tips & Tricks
As a cut flower, the dahlia will only bloom if you choose flowers that are open the first day. Buds don't open, older flowers usually just fall off in the vase.
