In the Dahlia Garden - by Linda Ernst

June is when the Dahlia Garden truly begins to wake up and stretch toward summer. The tubers we carefully planted in spring are now sending up strong stalks, healthy leaves, and the promise of glorious blooms ahead. The garden feels full of anticipation this month, and our role as dahlia caretakers becomes more important with each warm day.

 

One of the most important tasks in June is pinching. This can feel a little cruel the first time you do it because you are removing the top growth from a perfectly healthy plant. But experienced dahlia growers know this simple act works like magic. When the plant reaches about 12 to 16 inches tall and has at least three or four sets of leaves, pinch out the center growing tip just above a leaf set. This encourages the plant to branch outward instead of growing tall and spindly. More branches mean stronger plants and many more blooms later in the season. Think of it as convincing your dahlias to become beautifully rounded bushes instead of awkward teenagers.

 

June also reminds us that dahlias are thirsty plants. Consistent watering is essential, especially as temperatures rise. Deep watering a few times a week is far better than a light sprinkle every day. A good soaking encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil where moisture stays cooler longer. Early morning watering is always best, giving plants time to dry before evening and helping prevent disease problems. Mulching around the plants can also help retain moisture and keep weeds from staging a hostile takeover of the garden.

 

As the plants grow, they become hungry as well. Fertilizing in June helps build strong stems and healthy foliage that will support those spectacular summer blooms. Many growers prefer a lownitrogen fertilizer because too much nitrogen can produce huge leafy plants with fewer flowers. A balanced feeding every few weeks during active growth usually keeps dahlias happy. It is always amazing how quickly they respond with vigorous growth after a good meal.

 

Unfortunately, June is not only exciting for gardeners. The pests are waking up too. Aphids, spider mites, earwigs, slugs, and cucumber beetles all seem to believe we planted these gardens entirely for their enjoyment. Regular inspection is the best defense. Check under leaves, around tender new growth, and near buds. Early detection makes control much easier. Many gardeners begin a preventive spraying schedule in June using products that are appropriate for the pests they commonly battle. Some prefer organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil, while others use conventional garden sprays. Whatever method you choose, consistency is key. The pests rarely take a vacation.

 

Staking should also be on every June checklist. Those sweet little plants of May can quickly become towering giants by July. Getting stakes or support systems in place now prevents heartbreak later when summer storms arrive and your favorite bloom decides to recline gracefully across the garden path.

 

June is a month of optimism in the Dahlia Garden. Every pinched stem, every bucket of water, every careful feeding, and every battle against pests is an investment in the beauty to come. Soon the garden will reward us with blooms that stop neighbors, visitors, and even passing delivery drivers in their tracks.

 

And somewhere out there, at least one dahlia is already plotting to grow taller than its stake just to keep us humble.

 

Happy Gardening! 🌸              Linda

If April is about anticipation, then May is when things start to feel real in the dahlia garden.

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By now, many of us have welcomed new tubers into our collections—because somehow, we never seem to have quite enough! This is the time we begin the process of “waking them up.” Some of you are potting them into containers, while others are using the tried-and-true plastic bag method with a little soil tucked around the tuber. Just remember, if you use a bag, don’t seal it. A little airflow goes a long way in keeping mold and rot from turning your excitement into disappointment.

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At the same time, some of our dahlias are waking up just fine on their own. I’ve found that second-year tubers, in particular, often do best when left alone. They seem to know exactly what they’re doing—and sometimes better than we do.

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This spring has been unseasonably warm, which can make it very tempting to plant early. But dahlias like warm soil, not just warm air. Waiting until the soil temperature reaches about 60 degrees can make all the difference. Planting too soon in cool, damp soil is one of the quickest ways to lose a tuber.

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When you do plant, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Lay the tuber horizontally about 4–6 inches deep, with the eye facing up. If you already have a sprout, handle it gently—it doesn’t take much to snap off that first hopeful shoot.

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Watering—A Gentle Start

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One of the hardest things to do is not water right away. Until you see green growth above the soil, it’s best to hold back. Once your dahlias are actively growing, then you can begin a regular, deep watering routine.

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Keeping an Eye on Things

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As those first leaves appear, so will the usual garden visitors. Aphids, thrips, and spider mites are always ready to join the party. Many growers begin spraying when plants are just a few inches tall. However you choose to manage pests, staying consistent will make your life much easier as the season progresses.

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Stake Now, Smile Later

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It’s always a good idea to stake at planting time. Dahlias grow quickly, and trying to add support later usually turns into a bit of a wrestling match—with the plant, the stake, and your patience. A sturdy stake now saves trouble later.

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A Little Update from My Garden

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My “Magic Tree” is still doing its job, helping with all that extra moisture we seem to get each winter and spring. But this year, I had to step in and do a little pruning. A few of my dahlias had their minds made up about reaching for the sun and were leaning just a bit too enthusiastically.

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Apparently, even in the dahlia garden, everyone wants their moment in the spotlight.

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May is such a hopeful time. Every new sprout feels like a small success, and every planted tuber carries the promise of summer blooms. Whether you’re carefully coaxing along new varieties or simply watching old favorites return, this is the month where it all begins to come together.

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Enjoy every bit of it—muddy hands, hopeful eyes, and all.

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Happy Gardening!  

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             Linda

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April in the Piedmont of North Carolina always feels like a turning point, but this year, it feels especially triumphant. After a winter that tested even the most seasoned gardeners—with bitter cold and stretches of snow many of us aren’t accustomed to—there was plenty of reason to worry about what we might find when we finally turned back to our dahlia beds.

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For those who carefully lifted and stored their tubers, April is a familiar and welcome return to the rhythm of the garden:  checking eyes, dividing clumps, and preparing for planting time. But for those of us who chose to leave our dahlias tucked safely (or so we hoped!) in the ground, this spring has felt a bit like opening a long-awaited mystery.

And what a delightful surprise it has been. Against the odds, many of our in-ground tubers have survived the winter beautifully. Personally, I had all but given up hope during those cold January nights. In fact, I became so convinced of their demise that I kept ordering new tubers throughout the winter—just to be sure I wouldn’t be without my beloved blooms this summer.

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Now, as I dig into the garden, I’m greeted with healthy, viable clumps emerging from the soil like little miracles. I’ve decided to call them my “Houdini’s”—because truly, their return feels like a bit of magic.

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 Of course, this abundance brings its own challenges! What once felt like a potential shortage has quickly turned into a delightful dilemma. Between the overwintered tubers and the new varieties arriving by mail, many of us are now faced with the happy task of sorting, dividing, and planning.

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April is the perfect time to gently “wake up” your tubers. Whether they’ve been stored away or are just now being uncovered, begin by checking for firm, healthy tubers and viable eyes. Dividing clumps now not only helps increase your stock but also ensures stronger, more productive plants.

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As we prepare for planting, patience remains key. Dahlias thrive in warm soil, and it’s best to wait until soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees before setting them out. Planting too early can lead to rot or slow growth, especially after a cool spring.

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In the meantime, this is a wonderful month to finalize your garden plans. Consider your layout, refresh your soil with compost, and think about support systems for your plants before they begin their rapid growth. And of course, many of us are also busy preparing for our upcoming tuber sales—another joyful sign of the season and a chance to share the bounty with fellow dahlia lovers.

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April reminds us that gardening is always a balance of hope and uncertainty. This year, it also reminds us not to give up too soon. Sometimes, even after the harshest winters, our gardens have a way of surprising us.

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And if you find yourself, like me, with more tubers than you expected—well, that just means more beauty to grow, and more to share. Happy planting—and here’s to a garden full of Houdini’s.

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                                                                      Linda