Dazzling dahlias: eye-catching darlings of the flower world
Astonishing variety is their claim to fame.
BY SUE FRANCK
Contributing Writer
May has arrived, and with it comes the long-awaited burst of color returning to our gardens. What hues speak to you? Are you drawn to soft pastels, bold jewel tones, or a cheerful mix of everything under the sun? No matter your style, dahlias offer something for every mood – and every gardener.
A Flower That Does It All
Dahlias are the ultimate showstoppers of the flower world. Their claim to fame is variety – an astonishing range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Each bloom is made up of delicate petals, called florets, which can twist, curl, roll into points, form tubes, or spread out flat like a starburst. Some even resemble soft fringe or intricate lace.
Size is just as impressive as form. Petite blooms may measure just 2 inches across, while the largest “dinner plate” varieties can stretch well beyond 10 inches in diameter. Whether you prefer understated elegance or dramatic flair, dahlias deliver.
Getting Started: Planting for Success
Dahlias can be grown from seed, but most gardeners prefer planting tubers – fleshy root structures similar to potatoes that store energy from the previous season.
Timing is key. Wait until all danger of frost has passed (typically around the second week of May in our area) before planting. Choose a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, and, if possible, some protection from strong winds.
A few weeks before planting, enrich your soil based on a soil test. Well-rotted manure or a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (such as a 5-10-5 blend) encourages strong root and bloom development.
Because dahlias produce large, heavy blossoms on relatively delicate stems, staking is essential. Install a sturdy stake – 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on the variety – before planting to avoid damaging the tuber later.
Planting and Watering: Less Is More
When it’s time to plant, dig a hole about 6 inches deep beside your stake. Lay the tuber flat with the “eye” (the growth point) facing upward, then cover it with soil and water once.
Here’s the golden rule: don’t water again until you see a sprout.
Dahlias are highly susceptible to rot, so it’s better to err on the side of dry soil early on.
Once established, water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. As the plant matures, keep in mind that its roots stay close to the surface. When weeding, avoid digging deeper than an inch to prevent accidental damage.
Simple Tricks for ‘Bigger, Better Blooms’
Want fuller plants and more flowers? A few simple techniques make a big difference:
- Pinching: When your plant reaches about 12 inches tall, pinch the central stem just above the third set of leaves. This encourages branching, resulting in a bushier plant with more blooms.
- Disbudding: Each stem produces one central bud and two side buds. Removing the side buds when they’re small allows the central bloom to grow larger and more dramatic.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to keep new blooms coming all season long.
As your dahlias grow taller, gently tie them to their stake using soft, flexible material. A figure-eight loop—one around the stake, one around the stem—keeps the plant supported without causing damage.
Bringing the Beauty Indoors
Dahlias aren’t just garden stars – they make stunning cut flowers, too. For the longest vase life, cut blooms in the cool of the morning or evening and change the water daily. A single arrangement can brighten an entire room.
A Colorful (and Contagious) Passion
Whether you plant a single tuber or fill your garden with dozens, dahlias have a way of capturing your heart. Some enthusiasts – even here in Ephrata – grow hundreds each year and happily admit: dahlias are addictive.
Fortunately, it’s the kind of “addiction” that pays you back. With every bloom, you’ll enjoy a boost in mood, a sense of accomplishment, and the simple joy of sharing beauty – whether in your garden, your home, or with a friend.
So go ahead, pick a color (or 10), choose your favorite shapes, and let dahlias transform your space into something extraordinary.
MAY TIP BOX
~ To prolong the life of your cut dahlia blooms, either quickly move the cut stem over a flame or dip it into boiling water for several seconds before placing it into a vase filled with cool water.
~ Interested in learning more? Online searches offer many options, but research-based gardening information is most reliable when found on .edu and .org websites, including WSU Master Gardeners. You can also get personalized local advice by emailing WSU Grant-Adams Master Gardeners at ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu.
ALL ABOUT SUE
An Ephrata-area resident since 1959, Sue Franck is a retired dental hygienist and certified WSU Master Gardener for Grant-Adams counties. Happiest when getting her hands dirty, Sue operates her seedling business, Blissful Blooms, and has been a vendor at the Moses Lake Farmers Market since 2022, selling vegetable and flower starts. Her gardening column will appear monthly at GCJ.news.
