HELP! My DAHLIAS are not blooming! / MY FAVORITES!
The one thing I am told the most often is ‘Help! My dahlias are not blooming. Dahlias are the best flower to grow with the most reward, so I want to help answer why are the dahlias not blooming. I will also be sharing my favorite dahlias for cutting in a garden, because I have grown many Dahlias in my small urban garden successfully.
Some of the main reasons that dahlias will not bloom are; too much fertilizer, the watering schedule, lack of sun exposure, the soil being used is too heavy or you are not cutting your flower often enough. Other issues may be related on how you grow your tubers indoor in the spring. Let’s explore each of the issues and how to get your dahlias blooming!
Main Reason your Dahlia may not be Blooming
This is the overarching surprising reason why your dahlias may not be blooming; you loved them too much!
But for dahlias, less is more, literally!
This was the hardest thing for me to understand and accept. I am a nurturing person with my garden and had to learn. Here are the main reasons I consider to get non stop blooms.
I am a home gardener, self taught and have learned by trial and error. Read my post ‘Dream Garden Walkthrough 2021′ to see my garden’. READ HERE!
For more creative and easy flower arrangement visit ‘EASY FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS | DIY FOR BEGINNERS’. READ HERE!
HOW TO START YOUR TUBERS INDOORS AND PLANT THEM OUTDOORS
- GROWING TUBERS INDOORS: When you are growing the dahlia tubers indoor, do not use compost, use good soil with a slow release fertilizer, such as osmocote. My experience has been that if you are in a zone that warms up later in the season, like zone 8b, stating tubers indoor will provide you with blooms sooner. If you are in a warmer climate, lucky you, just start them earlier outdoors after your last frost date.
- GROWING OUTDOORS: Once you bring them outdoors to plant them, again, mix good quality soil with some compost and apply osmocote. Good quality soil means that it allows good drainage. I mix half of compost (organic fish compost is my favorite) to an organic garden soil. This is me, you can probably use what you have, but this mixture really has helped me with getting healthy plants and provide many blooms.
Check out my Instagram for a reel on how to plant your dahlias @cocoonraw
You want to learn how to grow more flowers and plants from seeds? Check out the post ‘BEST SEED STARTING STATION DIY | SEED STARTING’. READ HERE!
FERTILIZING THE RIGHT WAY WHEN YOU FIND YOUR DAHLIAS ARE NOT BLOOMING
- FERTILIZING THROUGHOUT THE SEASON: The Dahlia Season is July until the first frost, this will vary per zone. To find out when this is, look up your city under first frost in google.
- The most important thing to do in order to get your dahlias blooming is; DO NOT FEED DAHLIAS SO MUCH! I do not feed my dahlias anymore after I plant them in the ground. They wake up hungry but if you have good soil, they will be happy.
LOOK AT WATERING WHEN DAHLIAS ARE NOT BLOOMING
- DO NOT OVERWATER: Dahlias do not require a lot of watering. They may look sad because the sun is shining, but wait until it cools off and you will see the dahlia come back to life. The tuber stores water and the dahlia is just saving energy, therefor, Water once or twice a week, but make it a deep watering.
- KEEP IT HEALTHY: Powdery Mildew is the biggest issue. For this reason, remove the bottom leaves and space your plants properly to allow the plant some air flow. For dinnerplate dahlias I space 18″ -24″” apart, I prefer the extra space, larger dahlias 9″ to 12″ apart, smaller dahlias can take less, small lowering dahlias 2′ apart and Taller Dahlias(above 3′ tall variety), I allow 3′ sometimes, but I have done 2′ apart.
- FIRST TIME WATERING AFTER PLANTING IN GROUND: After you plant your tuber, do not water your dahlia until first growth is showing.
SUN SCHEDULE
- SUN: Dahlias need sun, at least 6 hours, the more the better. But do not confuse that with heat. If you are in a hot zone, 6 hours may be plenty. The dahlia tuber can be damaged and cook with excessive heat. Think Potato! Very similar characteristic to a tuber. In a cooler climate, 6 or more hours will work well. Here in Washington State, Zone 8b, all day sun works just fine. If you live in a very hot area, use mulch to retain moisture. I do not use any mulch in my zone, 8b, works best.
For more on organizing and getting the most information about your plants check out ‘Organizing ideas diy | Plant Tag Hacks’. READ HERE!
THE IMPORTANCE OF CUTTING YOUR FLOWERS IF DAHLIAS ARE NOT BLOOMING
- BRING THEM INSIDE!: Don’t be shy, cut those flowers to encourage new growth. Always be cautious to do a clean cut. Cut them with long stems, take a bud, it will be better and provide new and longer stem on the flowers.
Have you read my post ’10+ ‘FAVORITE Gardening Tools for a better experience’? READ HERE!
Dahlias are easy flowers to grow, they don’t require a lot of feeding and watering.
Understand where you are planting your tubers and the conditions to get cutting flowers and plenty of blooms.
You will enjoy amazing cutting flowers!!!!
LET THE FUN BEGIN! MY FAVORITE DAHLIAS!
My favorite Dahlias criteria is based on the following:
- Blooming consistently
- Color
- Shape
I have many others, but these stood out as my rocket bloomers!
Read my post, COZY UP with Tea and a Flower! Life has really Changed! READ HERE!
Petra’s Wedding Dahlia
This is my favorite Dahlia! You do not have to worry about your dahlias not blooming at all! Petra’s Wedding is the most prolific in my garden and provides blooms all season long, from July to the first frost.
The color is beautiful, pure white with the bright yellow center that comes out at the end. The shape is this round cotton ball look and a perfect size for bouquets.
I will always have this dahlia in my garden!
Totally Tangerine Dahlia
If you are looking for a dahlia that gives you two in one, this is it! And what I mean by that is that it transforms as it opens, in color and look.
Totally tangerine is a show stopper!
I love the colors, from bright to a softer orange at the end with a hint of the soft pink.
Another one that is perfect to use in flower arrangements!
Bridal Bouquet Dahlia
The bridal bouquet dahlia is beyond elegance in my book!
Another one that if you are saying, Help! My Dahlias are not blooming, this one will make you so happy!
It blooms in clusters and it is a dinnerplate size, but not as huge, which makes it easier to use in flower arrangements.
A true beauty in color with a vintage flare.
I HAVE TO SHOW YOU TWO PHOTOS, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO SEE IT UP CLOSE!
Check out my Instagram to learn more about the amazing dahlias I have grown! I have many more! @cocoonraw
Belle of Barmera Dahlia
What a surprise!
This dahlia looked nothing like what I found on the internet, so much more beautiful and unique.
The look reminds me of a painting, soft and ever changing as it grows. Always transforming from more white showing at the beginning and it transform into this rich rust color. Stunning!
The shape is more round, not a flat look.
Romantic Mix Dahlia
I had to absolutely include this one on my top favorites!
It is definitely so romantic looking, the name is perfection.
You will get so many blooms and the size is perfect, right in the middle. The color is just so beautiful, off white with a hint of rose and buttery yellow in the center.
Another one that transforms and will make you so happy!
Dahlias are the biggest gift, so many selections out there. The search for new ones is always happening.
Remember, have fun growing this beauties!
I know I will!
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I definitely took the less is less approach to my dahlias this year!
Once they are setting up, it is easy going!
Very informative with beautiful photos, inspiring me to grow more dahlias
You are the best!
First, you look pretty in every picture. Love seeing your flowers especially dahlias.
Pinned.
Cindy, you are so kind! Very happy you enjoyed the photos, I love photographing them to share.
Love all your photos Melba and learned a lot!
Thank you Crystal! I love your garden so much!
Loved the information, so helpful and interesting. The photos are incredible.
You are the best! Thank you!
Amazing flowers and AMAZING photography! Beautiful, Melba!
Thank you so much Missy! They are my babies and I want the memories for the long winter. LOL!
I enjoyed reading your recommendations Melba!
This is my first year growing Dahlias and I tried very hard not to over nature them. I think the sun is a bit harsh in the area I had them growing in.
I’ll definately refer back to this blog for next year. Thanks so much!
The sun can really affect it, make sure to place plenty fo mulch. I don’t on mine at all since it is cool and the slugs would have a feast! Ha! Any help next year, I am here!!! Thanks for reading the blog Pennie!
I love dahlias! Thanks for all the great info you shared! I had planted 17 plants but only 5 came up, and only 2 survived. I’ve since planted more, and can’t wait for my new Cafe au Lait to bloom. Your pictures are gorgeous, you look as beautiful as your dahlias! TA wonderful post! Thank you for also including my post!
Cafe au Lait is such a beauty! It is also a prolific one in my garden. I hope the post helps you get your blooming, once they are set, it is so easy to enjoy them, not much to do! Thank you for providing the link to your great blog post!
Your dahlias are magical! The Bridal Boquet is my favorite!
Thank you Marieza! I love Bridal Bouquet, it has such a vintage vibe!
I used to grow Dahlias and this post has motivated me to make it happen in 2022. Thank you for all of the great growing tips.
That is wonderful Paula! I can’t wait to see which ones you grow!
Beautiful!!!! This makes me want to try it out next year. I wonder if it will be ok in containers since the deer around my yard think our yard is a restaurant already.
LOL! A restaurant! Absolutely, I use the smaller types like tangerine on pots and they do really well. Thank you Joan!
Your flowers are Floret Farm level!! My fave is the Bridal Bouquet, but love them all!
Marie, you are too kind! She is my idol for sure! I love bridal bouquet also!
I enjoyed your post but the photos were exceptional, what beauty!
Thank you so much Karen! I love taking photos of my garden and look at them the following year. So much fun to document how the garden grows every year!
Your flowers and garden are amazing!
Thank you Elizabeth! I have really enjoyed the garden this year with so many flowers. It has been wonderful!
Love it!
Thank you Maria!
Melba, you are the dahlia whisperer! The blooms are so amazing and your photography really shows them off!
I definitely feel a connection to my dahlias, like they are my babies LOL! I don’t get tired of photographing them, I want to remember them forever. Thank you so much Cindy!
Your dahlias are beautiful, Melba. I have never grown them, but they are on my list to add this year to my garden. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Leslie! I am praying that my tubers survived out harsh winter this year. You should grown them, they are very easy to grow and give you so many flowers!