A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion New Members Just joined

hello fellow gardeners! I was looking for some information on the internet and found this website and couldn't wait to join! I have been gardening for several years...about 15, and enjoy trying new plants; what is better than going to the greenhouses in the spring to see if there is something new. My husband and I purchased a new home last year and so this year we are tackling the landscaping so I am sure I will have many questions that I hope someone can help me with. My current one is, a neighbor gave me a bag of dahlia bulbs; I have never tried dahlias before, any suggestions? We are zone 4 so I know that I have to dig them in the fall or treat them as an annual.

Welcome, Coral.
We love new members and love to answer questions. And you may be able to help with that too.
Dahlias are best in rich soil and with a stake planted along with the bulb. They also do well planted in a depression with soil added to level as the plant begins to sprout. Sunshine and regular watering should do the rest.

I love LOVE dahlias!

Welcome to the forum!


Cindy

Tina, so as the dahlia grows you keep adding soil to the base of the plant?! I've never heard of a ornamental plant you do that to but I do that to my tomatoes. I was told that these dahlias only get to 1 1/2 ft to 2 ft tall, do I still need to stake them?

Ah, maybe not then. I was thinking the dinner plate dahlias and such. I love border Dahlias, too. They are simpler than the showstopping ones. Plant those as deep as they are tall and about 12 inches apart. They still like to eat a lot though. Good luck.

If I'm not mistaken voles and moles like dahlias so you may want to plant them in a cage. Welcome to the forum.