Dahlias are an absolute game-changer for adding a pop of color to your patio or balcony. If you’ve been wondering how to grow these beauties in containers, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know to keep your potted dahlias happy and blooming.
Choosing the Best Dahlias for Containers
Not every dahlia is a perfect fit for a pot. While we love the giants, you’ll have the best luck sticking with varieties that stay small to medium in height. Here are a few of my favorite types for container gardening:
- Mignon Dahlias
- Collarette Dahlias
- Waterlily Dahlias
- Ball and Pompon Dahlias
I’d recommend skipping the varieties that tower over six feet tall. Those giants need massive, heavy pots and an incredible amount of water, so they’re usually much happier living directly in your garden beds.
A Pro Tip for Selection
Here’s a quick rule of thumb: if a dahlia variety can stand tall in a garden bed without needing a stake for support, it’ll likely do great in a pot. These sturdy, compact growers have the perfect “posture” for container life.
Picking the Right Pot
Size matters! Your dahlia needs plenty of elbow room for its root ball, stems, and those gorgeous blooms to spread out. Make sure your container is heavy enough that it won’t tip over during a summer thunderstorm. Most importantly, use high-quality, well-draining potting soil rich in nutrients, and ensure your pot has drainage holes. Dahlias hate “wet feet,” so we want to avoid soggy soil at all costs.
Caring for Your Potted Dahlias
Just like their cousins in the ground, potted dahlias crave sunshine and warmth. Because pots dry out faster than garden beds, you’ll need to be diligent about watering—especially during those scorching July and August days. To keep the flowers coming all season long, don’t forget to fertilize your plants regularly to give them the nutrients they need.
Winterizing Your Potted Dahlias
Dahlias are tropical at heart, meaning they won’t survive a frosty winter outside. When the temperatures drop, you have two options. If you have the space, you can bring the entire pot into a frost-free spot to overwinter indoors. If space is tight, simply dig up the tubers, clean them off, and store them in a cool, dry place just like you would with garden dahlias.
