Dahlias or georgines can be grown not only in the garden bed, but also very well in pots or in larger pots on balconies and terraces. The care is not complicated and you can better protect the plants from snails and voles.
How do I grow dahlias in a pot?
Dahlias can be grown successfully in pots by using a sufficiently large, drainage-hole-filled container with loose, nutritious garden soil and slow-release fertilizer and placing them in a sunny, warm and wind-protected location. Regular watering, fertilizing and removing spent flowers promote a longer flowering period.
Which pots are suitable?
The pot or bucket must be large enough for the tuber to have enough space in it. The top diameter of the pot should be about half the height of the fully grown dahlia. For varieties with a height of 60 centimeters, the diameter must be 30 centimeters.
The planters must have one large or several small drainage holes so that excess water can drain away. Place pottery shards on the holes. Then they don't get clogged.
How to plant georgines in a pot
Fill the pots with nutritious, loose garden soil with a pH value of 6.5. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon) straight away or buy pre-fertilized soil from a garden market.
The dahlia tubers are placed in the pot with the root neck upwards so that there is still several centimeters of soil space at the top and bottom.
Press the soil firmly and water the dahlias so that the soil is neither too dry nor too moist.
The right location on the terrace and balcony
- Sunny
- Warm
- Protected from the wind
Choose a warm, wind-protected location. To be on the safe side, you should secure large-flowered dahlia varieties with supports so that the flowers do not break off.
Like all georgines, dahlias in pots are only allowed to go outside when sub-zero temperatures are no longer expected.
Properly care for dahlias in pots
Georgines prefer even moisture. In full sun, plants need more water. Therefore, check the moisture content of the soil regularly.
Fertilizing is only necessary if you have used older garden soil. Check the flowers for pest infestation.
To extend the flowering period, always cut out spent flowers straight away.
Tips & Tricks
Some hobby gardeners overwinter their dahlias in pots. This is not advisable because the tubers easily rot or dry out. It is better if you take the dahlia bulbs out of the pot in autumn and store them in a suitable place until spring.
