The frost-sensitive dahlia tubers should not be put outside until May so that they are not caught by any late frosts. However, you can also grow the plants indoors and enjoy a much earlier - and longer - flowering period.
How to grow dahlias?
Pushing dahlias is worth it if you want the flowers to bloomearlier. To do this, plant the tubersfrom Februaryin nutrient-rich substrate and cultivate them in awarm and bright place in the house, such as the windowsill.
How do you go about growing dahlias?
Growing dahlias is not difficult. You can start as early asFebruary to March. How to proceed successfully:
- choose large, deep pots with a diameter of approx. 25 centimeters
- Flower or balcony boxes also suitable
- must have drainage holes at the bottom
- Fill in a drainage layer (e.g. made of sand or expanded clay)
- use high-qualitypotting soil on compost soil
- Plant tubers approx. 3 to 5 centimeters deep
- there should be at least 5 centimeters of space at the bottom
- Moisten the soil well
Now place the planter in abright place that is around 18 to 20 °C warm. Keep the substrate evenly moist, but not wet - excess water must be able to drain away!
Do you have to water dahlia tubers before planting?
Many guides recommend watering the tubers before planting. This is intended to encourage the plants to sprout more quickly so that they bloom more quickly. However, if you grow the dahlias, this step isnot necessaryEspecially since watering the dahlia tubers can also be viewed critically: the soaked tubers run the risk ofrotting in the soil
Instead, you can divide larger tubers into several individual pieces before planting. This is how you rejuvenate the plants, ensure stronger growth and multiply them at the same time.
How long does it take for the dahlias to sprout?
If you grow the dahlias at the right temperature and brightness, they will sprout quite quickly. Tubers planted in February are oftenend of March, beginning of Apriland have already grown beautifully bushy and should be moved to alarger potif necessary. You can also add some horn meal and dried coffee grounds to this for better nutrient supply. Dahlias have ahigh nutrient requirement and need an appropriate supply for the formation of numerous flower buds.
When do you plant the pre-grown dahlias outdoors?
You should always only plant pre-grown dahlias untilafter the Ice Saintsin mid-May. However, you canharden the plants outside in mild weather by placing them outside in a sunny and protected place for an hour at a time. However, make sure that the temperature difference between inside and outside is not too great - it should be at least 15 °C outside - and that you bring the plants back into the house overnight.
Tip
Why doesn't the dahlia sprout?
If the dahlias do not want to sprout, there can be many reasons: too wet, too dry, rot, aging, lack of nutrients in dahlias planted outside, pests are often the culprits, especially voles and snails.
