Similar to delphiniums, foxgloves and phlox, dahlias reach a considerable height and also produce heavy flower heads. There is a great risk that these magnificent perennials will give in and no longer be able to maintain their support.
Why and how should you support dahlias?
Dahlias should be supported to prevent them from twisting or breaking due to their height and heavy flower heads. Supports can be used early in planting, for example in the form of rings, bamboo sticks or a self-made frame.
Why should dahlias be supported?
Many dahlias reach a considerable height of 180 cm or more, which is why they run the risk of being bent overor even broken by wind and rain. Once it is no longer stable, you will no longer be able to get your dahlia back to its original position. Therefore, a support is the right choice if you want to protect the dahlia from twisting. This also applies to dahlias in pots.
When should dahlias receive support?
Theearlier the dahlias receive their support, the better. It would be ideal if you put the support in the ground when you plant the tubers. This reduces the likelihood that you will injure the tuber later. Placing the support early also has the advantage that the dahlias can grow into the support. If you only attach the support when the dahlias are already big, individual shoots and leaves could bend.
What can dahlias be supported with?
Dahlias are often supported withrings - whether half-open or closed. These are usually made of metal, surround the dahlias and give them a secure hold later.
In addition, you can use simplebamboo sticks or wooden stakes and a string to build a frame for the dahlias yourself.
How to attach the support for the dahlia?
The support for the dahlias should be placed so deep into the ground at the location that it isstable and can withstand wind and weather. The height of the support should be approximately 2/3 of the height of the respective dahlia variety. Make sure the support is not too tight. Otherwise the dahlia could be bruised and look unnatural. To determine the perfect width of the support, you must take into account the growing width of the dahlia.
Which dahlia varieties need support and which don't?
The large dahlia varieties such as thecactus dahliasandpompon dahlias urgently need support. They grow very tall and also produce powerful flower heads. Because the flowers are so heavy, they tend to collapse in the wind.
TheDwarf Dahlias, on the other hand, do not need any support as they only grow to a height of 30 to 40 cm. The ball dahlias usually do without a support.
Tip
Alternative for support: plant stick
Planting sticks or wooden, metal or bamboo sticks are even easier than frames. They should be about 3 cm wide and at least 80 cm high. Each dahlia receives such a plant stick and is attached to it with a string.