Scarlet Dahlia

Getting Ready for Your Scarlet Dahlias

Hi there, flower lover! Scarlet Dahlias are gorgeous, showy blooms that bring vibrant color to any garden. Before you start planting, let’s make sure you’ve got everything ready.

Choosing the Tubers or Seeds: Dahlias grow from tubers (which are like bulbs) or seeds. For beginners, I recommend starting with tubers because they're easier and faster to grow than seeds. You can find them at your local nursery or online.

When to Plant: Scarlet Dahlias love warm weather, so wait until after the last frost has passed — usually late spring. The soil should be at least 60°F (15°C). If it's still chilly where you live, you can start them indoors in pots about 4-6 weeks before moving them outside.

Tools and Materials:

Dahlia tubers or seeds

A sunny spot in your garden or large pots (at least 12 inches deep)

Well-draining soil (dahlias don't like soggy feet!)

Compost or general-purpose fertilizer

Watering can or hose

• Stakes or supports (dahlias can grow tall and may need help staying upright)

Tip: If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Scarlet Dahlias hate wet feet!

Planting Your Scarlet Dahlias

Now that you've got everything ready, let's get those dahlias in the ground!

If Using Tubers:

1. Dig a hole about 4-6 inches deep.
2. Place the tuber horizontally in the hole with the "eye" (little bump where the stem will sprout) facing up.
3. Cover it gently with soil but don’t pack it down too hard.
4. Space each tuber about 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
5. Water lightly after planting, just enough to settle the soil around the tuber.

If Using Seeds:

1. Fill small pots with well-draining soil and sprinkle a few seeds on top.
2. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 1/4 inch).
3. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Place the pots in a sunny spot indoors or under grow lights.
5. Once the seedlings have grown a couple of inches tall, you can transplant them outside after the last frost.

Tip: If you’re planting in pots, choose ones with drainage holes and use fresh potting soil. Dahlias don’t like to sit in waterlogged soil!

Caring for Your Scarlet Dahlias

Once your dahlias are planted, here’s how to keep them happy and thriving:

Sunlight Requirements: Scarlet Dahlias LOVE sunshine! Make sure they get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you notice they’re getting leggy or not blooming much, they might need more sun.

Watering Method:

• Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on how hot and dry it is.
• Always water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves. Wet leaves can lead to diseases.
• Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings — remember, these plants don’t like soggy roots!

Fertilizing Tips:

• Start fertilizing your dahlias about a month after planting.
• Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) or one that’s higher in potassium (the last number) to encourage big, beautiful blooms.
• Fertilize every 3-4 weeks, but don’t overdo it — too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leaves and fewer flowers.

Supporting Your Plants: As your dahlias grow taller (some can reach up to 4 feet!), they may need support to stay upright. You can use bamboo stakes or metal supports. Gently tie the main stem to the stake using soft twine or plant ties.

Tip: Pinch back the growing tips when the plant is about 12 inches tall. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce more flowers!

When and How to Harvest Scarlet Dahlias

While Scarlet Dahlias are mostly grown for their beauty in the garden, you can also cut the flowers to bring indoors for stunning bouquets!

When to Harvest:

• Dahlias typically bloom from mid-summer through fall.
• Cut the flowers early in the morning when they’re fully open and look their best.
• Choose blooms that are just starting to unfurl for the longest vase life.

How to Harvest:

• Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle.
• Cut the stem long enough to fit nicely in your vase, but leave some leaves on the plant to keep it healthy.
• Immediately place the cut flowers in a bucket of water to keep them fresh.

Tip: Change the water in your vase every couple of days to keep your dahlias looking fresh longer. They’ll last up to a week indoors if cared for properly!

1. Why Are My Dahlias Not Blooming?

Cause: Too little sun, too much fertilizer (especially high-nitrogen), or not enough time — dahlias take a while to start blooming.

Solution: Make sure they’re getting plenty of sunlight, reduce nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, and be patient. Sometimes they just need more time to settle in.

2. My Dahlias Are Wilting — What Should I Do?

Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot, leading to wilting.

Solution: Check the soil moisture. If it’s too wet, ease off on watering and ensure your soil drains well. Add sand or compost to improve drainage if needed.

3. Are Dahlias Prone to Pests?

Cause: Yes, they can attract aphids, slugs, and snails.

Solution: Spray aphids with a mix of water and mild soap. For slugs and snails, remove them by hand or use pet-safe slug bait. You can also put crushed eggshells around the base of the plant to deter them.

4. Can Dahlias Survive Winter?

Cause: Dahlias are tender perennials and won’t survive freezing temperatures.

Solution: In colder climates, dig up the tubers after the first frost, let them dry, and store them in a cool, dry place over winter. Replant them in the spring.

5. Why Are My Dahlia Leaves Turning Yellow?

Cause: This could be due to overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or natural aging of lower leaves.

Solution: Check your watering habits and adjust as needed. If the lower leaves are yellowing but the plant is otherwise healthy, it’s likely just old leaves dying off naturally.