When do dahlias bloom? If you’re looking for the answer to that question—plus all the pro tips you need to keep your garden bursting with color—you’ve come to the right place!
Dahlia Blooming Season
Generally speaking, dahlias are the superstars of the late summer and fall garden. They typically start showing off their vibrant colors around mid-to-late June and keep the party going all the way until the first frost. One of the best things about dahlias is that individual blooms last a long time before they start to fade. It’s no wonder they’re a fan favorite for flower beds, garden borders, and patio containers alike!
Early Blooms with Pre-Sprouted Dahlias
If you just can’t wait for summer, starting your dahlias early indoors in pots or containers can give you a serious head start on the blooming season. Plus, if you bring those pots inside before the first frost hits, you can often stretch that gorgeous floral display even further into the fall or early winter.
Pro Tips for a Long Blooming Season
Dahlias are naturally generous bloomers, but if you want to keep them at their peak (or even extend their season), there are a few golden rules to follow:
- Deadhead old blooms and prune regularly
- Keep up with watering and fertilizing
To keep your dahlias pumping out flowers, you’ll want to “deadhead” (remove) any faded or wilted blooms as soon as you spot them. This tells the plant to stop putting energy into seeds and start making new buds instead. The more consistently you prune and deadhead, the bushier and more prolific your plant will become. Don’t forget that dahlias are hungry and thirsty plants! Regular watering and a steady supply of nutrients will ensure a massive explosion of color. When a dahlia is happy, it definitely shows!
Give Them Some Support
Because many dahlia varieties grow quite tall, they can get a bit top-heavy—especially when those big, beautiful blooms are in full swing. They aren’t the sturdiest plants on their own and can easily snap during a summer thunderstorm or a windy afternoon. To keep your flowers safe, it’s a great idea to stake your tall dahlias. Using garden stakes or supports gives them the stability they need to brave the elements and keeps those heavy blooms upright and beautiful.
Why Isn’t My Dahlia Blooming?
It can be a real bummer when a dahlia refuses to bloom. If your plant is looking a little shy, it’s usually due to one of these common culprits:
- Not enough sunlight (they love the sun!)
- A lack of nutrients in the soil
- Improper watering (either bone dry or waterlogged)
