Growing Dahlias Indoors

Growing dahlias indoors

Cut back the entire plant to 4 – 6 inches. Keep the dahlias in their pot over winter. Keep the pot in a cool, dry, dark place that doesn't freeze. Don't water it, just let it stay dry.

Can dahlias survive indoors in winter?

Yes, you can overwinter dahlias in pots, and it is very easy. Once frost has killed the plant, simply cut it back, bring the container inside, and store it in a cool, dry place until spring.

How long do potted dahlias last?

Long-lasting blossoms. Dahlias can bloom for four months if you prune them properly. In some locations, you might even get them to last a few more weeks longer than that (but they will not survive a hard freeze, so you will need to take them inside before that happens).

Do dahlias do well in pots?

Dahlias grow well in pots, though you need to be very careful not to let them repeatedly dry out. 1 They also will need to be regularly fertilized during the growing season, and many will need to be staked so they don't fall over.

Can I leave my dahlias in pots over winter?

Once late Autumn hits and the first frosts arrive, it's a good time to bring your potted Dahlias inside for storage over the winter. You will need some secateurs and, if you have a fair few pots, possibly some crates for storage.

What to do with potted dahlias in winter?

Once dry, pack your dahlia tubers in a box or pot, and cover them with dry compost (it's important to ensure the compost is dry, as damp compost could lead to your tubers rotting in store). You can also store dahlia tubers in vermiculite, or wrap them in dry newspaper.

What is the lowest temperature potted dahlias can tolerate?

Dahlias will not tolerate cold soil. Plant when the soil reaches 60ºF (15°C) and any danger of frost has passed.

How do I store dahlias over winter?

Once Dahlias are nipped by the frost, it's a good time to dig them up and prepare for storage over the winter. You will need a garden fork, some pots or crates for storage in a cool, dry place, and something like vermiculite, sand, sawdust, or simply dry compost to keep them in.

What temperature is too cold for dahlia?

But once inside out of the elements you can take your time to do it. The storage temperature for Dahlias should ideally be around 45 degrees F. A range of 35-50 degrees F is suggested. Keep them in the dark if possible.

Do dahlias in pots come back every year?

Dahlias are not frost hardy, so when temperatures plummet the leaves and remaining blooms collapse in a heap. However, all is not lost. The tubers that grow beneath the ground are unharmed and can live to perform again year after year given a little care from you.

How often should I water my dahlias indoors?

To discourage disease, keep dahlia foliage as dry as possible. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil dry out in between. Clip off the bottom 12” of foliage to encourage good air circulation.

What happens if you don't Deadhead dahlias?

It may be feeling distinctly autumnal right now, but if you've planted dahlias the good news is they will keep on flowering right through to the first frosts. There's just one catch: to prolong flowering you will need to keep deadheading them, thereby encouraging the plant to produce new buds.

Are dahlias better in pots or the ground?

Despite a popular misconception that tubers must be grown in the ground, dahlias can actually do quite well in pots if cared for properly. They are hardy plants, and there's some important factors to consider, like the size of your dahlias, before you start planting in pots or containers.

How do you keep potted dahlias blooming?

Tips for getting more blooms from your dahlias

Tip 1: Keep the plants upright. Dahlia blooms are easily spoiled if the plants are left to flop on the ground.
Tip 2: Deadhead. Dahlia blooms are beautiful, but they don't last forever. ...
Tip 3: Fertilize. ...
Tip 4: Watch for fungal diseases. ...
Tip 5: Irrigate.

Do dahlias like terracotta pots?

What kind of pot is suitable for planting dahlias? Take a big pot of at least 30 cm (12") and preferably of sturdy ceramic or terracotta. Make sure the pots are well-drained, if not make extra holes. Preferably add a small layer of gravel, hydro grains or shards on the bottom.

How do you care for indoor dahlias?

You can also keep them in containers and grow them indoors in a sunny location.

Use Well-Draining Soil.
Water the Soil. ...
Germinate the Dahlia Seeds. ...
Provide Plenty of Light. ...
Secure the Plant Stems. ...
Follow a Watering Schedule. ...
Pinch Off New Buds. ...
Add More Potting Soil.

Should I cut my dahlias back for winter?

Dahlias are also lifted once the foliage has been blackened by the first frost: Cut off the old flowering stems 5cm (2in) from the base and trim away any thin roots. These stems can be composted.

Should you deadhead dahlias?

Deadheading dahlias is very important to prolong flowering. The difference between buds and spent flower heads can be confusing – the buds are round, while spent flower heads are more pointed. Remove the whole flowering stem.

Can you leave dahlia tubers in pots?

Although dahlias aren't candidates for the best winter plants for pots and borders, yes, you can leave dahlias in pots over winter. One of the beauties of growing dahlias in a pot is the flexibility that it offers.

Can you save dahlia bulbs over winter?

The key to successfully storing dahlia tubers for the winter is making sure they stay dry, have good air circulation and are in a cool, dark spot. You can store the tubers in a variety of containers – milk crates, plastic bins, paper bags, and cardboard boxes all do the trick. You may choose to pack them in peat moss.