A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Need help getting dahlias to bloom

I am growing Dinner Plate Dahlias and need some advice. I have healthy green plants which are getting pretty large. I looked online and trimmed them accordingly....but there is no sign of any blooms....how can I encourage blooms on Dahlias? I am afraid my plants will just get taller and not bloom. I would greatly appreciate any help. Thanks, Laura

There is one line here that might help;
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/calendar/july.html
Going to look for more.

Here is another;
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/dahlia.html
They mostly say the same things.

Hi Laura29 I used a high phosphorus fertilizer on my dahlia's actually on all my flowers. Which is the middle number on a fertilizer, So you'd need i.e. a 10 30 20 The middle number is important for blooming also the last number is good , the last number is potash which is good to have as well. Generally found at garden centers or your local nursery. It's always good to have some high phosphorus fertilizer on hand through out the growing season, I sometimes just sprinkle it around the soil and water in as an extra boost. Make sure your dahlias gets plenty of sunshine .

I have giant dahlias in bloom now and no problems. First ones I grew. Blooming nicely.

No special attention given......However I never trim like you did. Perhaps you cut all the buds off?