Growing Dinnerplate Dahlia Plants: How to Cultivate Big, Beautiful Blooms

If you're looking for a way to add some dramatic flair to your garden, consider growing dinnerplate dahlia plants. With their oversized, show-stopping blooms, these flowers are sure to turn heads and create a stunning focal point in any outdoor space. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to successfully grow dinnerplate dahlias, from choosing the right location to caring for your plants throughout the growing season.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in growing dinnerplate dahlias is selecting the right spot for your plants. These flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and has soil that drains easily. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with sand or compost to improve drainage.

Another important consideration when choosing a location is the height of your plants. Dinnerplate dahlias can grow up to four feet tall, so be sure to select a spot where they won't shade out shorter plants or obstruct paths or walkways.

Planting Your Dahlias

Once you've selected the perfect spot for your dinnerplate dahlias, it's time to plant them. The best time to plant dahlias is in the spring after the last frost has passed. To plant your dahlias, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the soil by working in compost or other organic matter to a depth of about 12 inches. This will help improve soil fertility and drainage.
2. Dig a hole that's slightly larger than the root ball of your dahlia plant. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.
3. Place the dahlia plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently as you go to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Caring for Your Dahlias

Once your dinnerplate dahlias are planted, it's important to care for them properly throughout the growing season to ensure they produce big, beautiful blooms. Here are some tips for caring for your dahlias:

• Water regularly: Dahlias need consistent moisture to thrive, so water deeply once a week or more often during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize regularly: Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to provide your dahlias with the nutrients they need to produce big, healthy blooms.
• Pinch back buds: To encourage your dahlia plants to produce bigger blooms, pinch back the side buds on each stem once they reach a few inches long.
• Support your plants: As your dahlia plants grow taller, use stakes or cages to support them and prevent them from flopping over.
• Deadhead spent blooms: To encourage your plants to continue producing new blooms, remove spent flowers regularly throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Your Blooms

One of the great joys of growing dinnerplate dahlias is bringing their stunning blooms indoors to enjoy in bouquets and arrangements. To harvest your blooms, wait until they are fully open and the petals feel soft to the touch. Cut the stem at an angle with sharp, clean shears, and immediately place the stem into a bucket of fresh, cool water to keep it hydrated.

Closeup of a dinnerplate dahlia bloom

With a little bit of care and attention, growing dinnerplate dahlias can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these spectacular flowers are sure to impress and delight.

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