Dahlias are having a big moment in Ree Drummond’s garden, and she’s the first to admit she’s smitten. “Every morning in a dahlia garden is like Christmas,” Ree says—and if you’ve ever grown them yourself, you know exactly what she means. These vibrant, show-stopping blooms can brighten your garden from midsummer through fall, and with so many colors, varieties, and sizes to choose from, no two flowers ever feel the same.
One thing Ree and so many other gardeners love about dahlias is that their beauty never goes out of style. As she puts it, “I’m in love. Deep, deep love. And it’s not because dahlias are so popular now. It’s not because they are a trend. No, the reverse is true: Dahlias are popular and dahlias are a trend because they are absolutely addictive.” Ready to fall in love with dahlias yourself? Follow these dahlia gardening tips to learn how to plant, grow, and enjoy these stunning flowers!
How to plant dahlias:
Dahlias grow from tubers (similar to bulbs), so the first step is choosing a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole about 6 to 8 inches deep and lay the tuber horizontally with the “eye” or bud facing up. Cover it with 2 to 3 inches of soil, then fill in more as the plant starts to grow. Water lightly at first as overwatering can cause tubers to rot before they sprout. If you’re planting more than one, give them about 18 to 24 inches of space so they have plenty of room to grow into big, bushy plants.
When to plant dahlias:
Timing is key with dahlias. Plant tubers in the spring after the last frost has passed and when the soil is about 60°F. In most areas, this means late April through May, though cooler climates may need to wait until early June. Once planted, you can expect dahlias to start showing off around midsummer and continue until the first frost in fall. That long bloom season is part of what makes them such a favorite—you’ll enjoy fresh flowers in your garden (and your vases) all season long.
Growing Tips:
Once your dahlias start sprouting, water them a couple times a week, aiming for moist but not soggy soil. Mulch helps keep the ground cool and holds in moisture. Taller varieties should be staked early so their stems don’t bend or break once they’re heavy with blooms. Regular deadheading (snipping off spent flowers) will encourage new ones to form, keeping your plants blooming for months. As Ree says, “They take time, care, and daily attention if you want your plants to succeed”—but that daily check-in quickly becomes part of the fun.
More Dahlias Everywhere!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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