Dahlia Care: Information and Instructions

The plants will include pictures & specific info about what type they are.

Most may be too big for container gardening, but 16", 18" pots would work for the smaller varieties.

Keep containers outside in full sunlight over next 3 weeks, and bring under cover if night temps get into the 30’s.

Need 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight minimum. More sun means shorter plants & more flowers.

Use low N2 fertilizers only (i.e. 5-10-10, 0-10-10) within 15 days of original planting then about 4 weeks later. (Note: high N2 levels make tall spindly plants with few flowers & tubers that don't store well).

Staking is a must, often multiple needed if plant broadens & sends out multiple stalks.

Good to top off young plant when 18" to 20" high to promote lateral growth & restrict height. (Note: The really big ones Hy Sockeye, Vuur Vogel, Beach Bum can go well over listed table height (10 to 12 ft !!) with restricted sun & become a real engineering chal-lenge with scaffolding, stepladders etc.)

Deep watering about 2 times a week in heat of summer is much better than frequent light watering.

Special touch: Supply tablespoon of superphosphate fertilizer ( about $10/5lbs at Lowes, Home Depot) which at planting insures this year’s plant gives 5 or 6 plants next year if handled right in the fall/winter. (fertilizer supplied with PAWS’ plants)

Got Pests? : For slugs, use Ortho commercial slug bait. For mildew, a light spray of gar-den fungicide works well.

PAWS Dahlias are $10 apiece/ 3 for $25—reserve yours ASAPFor more information on Dahlia care, you can go online and search for websites like:

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/dahlia.html http://www.dahlias.com/howtogrowdahlias.aspx