Are you looking to add some color and beauty to your garden? If so, consider growing dinner plate dahlias. These stunning flowers can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, making them the perfect centerpiece for any garden. Growing dinner plate dahlias requires a bit of effort, but the end result is well worth it.
To begin, you will need to choose a location for your dahlias. They prefer full sun, so find an area that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. You will also need to prepare the soil by adding compost and fertilizer to the bottom of the hole where you will be planting your tuber.
Once your soil is prepared, you can plant your dahlia tuber horizontally in the hole with the eyes facing upwards. The eyes are knobby bumps that appear on the crown of the tuber, and they can be tricky to spot, so be sure to take your time.
Understanding Dinner Plate Dahlias
If you’re looking to add some drama to your garden, dinner plate dahlias are a great choice. These beauties produce big, plate-sized blooms that come in a range of colors and forms. They are essentially just larger versions of the many varieties of dahlia, but their size alone makes them a showstopper.
Dinner plate dahlias are part of the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico. They were first cultivated in the late 1800s and have since become a popular choice for gardeners and florists alike. The most popular cultivars include Café au Lait, American Dream, and Taihejo.
One of the most striking features of dinner plate dahlias is their size. They can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, making them one of the largest flowers you can grow in your garden. This size also makes them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, as they add color and texture on a massive scale.
In terms of color, dinner plate dahlias come in a wide range of hues, from soft pastels to bold, bright shades. Some of the most popular colors include pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. With so many colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a variety that suits your taste.
When it comes to texture, dinner plate dahlias are known for their large, fluffy flower heads. These flower heads are made up of many smaller flower buds, which gives them a unique, layered look. This texture adds depth and interest to your garden, making dinner plate dahlias a great choice for adding visual interest to your landscape.
Overall, dinner plate dahlias are a beautiful and dramatic addition to any garden. With their large size, bold colors, and unique texture, they are sure to make a statement. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, dinner plate dahlias are a great choice for adding some pizzazz to your landscape.
Choosing the Right Environment
When it comes to growing dinner plate dahlias, choosing the right environment is crucial. These plants require a specific set of conditions to thrive and produce their signature large blooms. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect spot for your dinner plate dahlias:
Sun Exposure
Dinner plate dahlias need full sun to grow their best. This means they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you’re planting in an area with partial shade, make sure it’s only for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. Avoid planting in areas with full shade, as this will significantly reduce flower production.
Soil Type
Well-draining soil is essential for dinner plate dahlias. Soil that retains too much moisture can lead to root rot and other issues. Aim for soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider planting in raised beds or rows to improve drainage.
Hardiness Zones
Dinner plate dahlias are typically grown as annuals in colder climates. They are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, but in cooler zones, the tubers must be dug up and protected during the winter months. If you live in a cooler zone, consider planting in containers that can be moved indoors during the winter.
Temperature
Dinner plate dahlias prefer warm temperatures and can be planted outside after the last frost date has passed. The ideal soil temperature for planting is around 60-65°F. If you live in an area with hot summers, make sure your plants are getting enough water to prevent wilting.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can create the perfect environment for your dinner plate dahlias to thrive. With the right conditions, you’ll be rewarded with stunning blooms that will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.
Planting Dinner Plate Dahlias
Dinner plate dahlias are a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their garden. These plants produce large, beautiful blooms that can be up to 12 inches in diameter. If you want to grow dinner plate dahlias in your garden, here are some planting instructions to follow:
Planting Instructions
- Choose a location with well-draining soil: Dahlias prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy and wet, it can stunt the growth of your plants and invite disease and insect problems. Dahlias thrive in raised beds and vegetable gardens. If you treat dinner plate dahlias like beefsteak tomatoes, you’ll be wildly successful.
- Plant your tubers in the spring: Dinner plate dahlias should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. The tubers should be planted about 3 to 4 inches deep on their sides and spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Ensure the soil is moist but not overly wet when you plant the tubers to prevent rotting.
- Keep your plants well-watered: Dahlias need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water your dahlias if they are not getting about an inch (2.5 cm.) of rainfall per week.
- Fertilize your plants regularly: Use a typical flower fertilizer about twice a month to help your plants grow strong and healthy.
- Deadhead spent blooms: Deadhead the spent blooms as they expire to encourage your plants to produce more flowers. You will enjoy dinner plate dahlias from midsummer through the fall.
- Transplant your tubers in the fall: If you live in a cooler USDA Hardiness Zone, you’ll need to dig up and protect the tubers during the winter. After the first frost, dig up your tubers and let them dry for a few days. Store them in a cool, dry place until the spring, when you can transplant them again.
In summary, planting dinner plate dahlias is a straightforward process. Choose a location with well-draining soil, plant your tubers in the spring, keep your plants well-watered and fertilized, and deadhead spent blooms. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy beautiful, giant blooms in your garden for years to come.
Caring for Dinner Plate Dahlias
Growing dinner plate dahlias is one thing, but caring for them is another. These plants require attention and care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your dinner plate dahlias:
Watering
Dinner plate dahlias need regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water them deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather. Make sure the water reaches the roots, which are about 6 to 8 inches below the surface.
Fertilizing
Dinner plate dahlias are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to produce big and beautiful blooms. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once a month during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure, bone meal, or peat moss, to provide your plants with the necessary nutrients.
Mulching
Mulching is essential for dinner plate dahlias because it helps retain moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, around the plants, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rotting.
Deadheading
Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms from the plant to encourage more blooms. It also helps prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem just above the first set of leaves below the flower.
Staking
Dinner plate dahlias have large and heavy blooms that can cause the stems to bend or break. To prevent this, stake the plants when they are about 1 to 2 feet tall. Use bamboo stakes or metal rods and tie the stems to the stakes with soft twine or plant ties.
Pest and Disease Control
Dinner plate dahlias are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. Monitor your plants regularly and take action immediately if you notice any signs of infestation or infection. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic pesticides to control pests, and remove infected plants to prevent the spread of disease.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your dinner plate dahlias grow healthy and produce stunning blooms. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of these magnificent flowers in your garden or as cut flowers in your home.
Supporting and Staking Dahlias
Dinner plate dahlias can grow very tall, and their large flowers can become too heavy for their stems to support. Staking dahlias is essential to prevent them from falling over and breaking. Here are some tips on how to support your dahlias:
Materials for Staking Dahlias
There are several materials you can use to stake your dahlias, including bamboo stakes, metal stakes, and wooden stakes. Bamboo stakes are popular because they are affordable, lightweight, and easy to find at garden centers.
Metal stakes are durable and can support large dahlias, but they can be heavy and expensive. Wooden stakes are also durable and can blend in with your garden, but they can rot over time.
How to Stake Dahlias
To stake your dahlias, start by driving the stakes into the ground next to the dahlia plant. The stakes should be at least 6 feet tall and driven into the ground until firm. Make sure the stakes are placed outside the dahlia’s drip line, so they do not damage the roots.
Next, tie the dahlia stems to the stakes using soft ties or twine. Do not use wire or string that can cut into the stems. Tie the stems loosely to the stakes, so they have room to grow. As the dahlia plant grows, you may need to adjust the ties and move them higher up the stake.
Supporting Large or Giant Dahlias
If you are growing large or giant dahlias, you may need to use additional support to keep the stems from bending or breaking. One option is to use a tomato cage or a dahlia support ring. These structures can be placed around the dahlia plant and provide additional support for the stems.
Another option is to prune your dahlias to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the top of the stem when it reaches 12-18 inches tall. This will encourage the plant to grow more stems and produce more flowers. However, pruning can also delay the blooming time.
Staking your dahlias may seem like extra work, but it is essential to keep your plants healthy and upright. With the right materials and techniques, you can enjoy beautiful, towering dahlias in your garden all season long.
Maintaining Dahlia Health
To ensure your dinner plate dahlias stay healthy and vibrant, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Disease and Pest Control
Dahlias can be susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, which can cause a white, powdery substance to form on the foliage. To prevent this, make sure your dahlias are planted in an area with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If you notice powdery mildew forming, remove the affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Slugs can also be a problem for dahlias, especially in damp conditions. To prevent slug damage, consider using slug bait or traps around your plants.
Deadheading and Pinching
To encourage your dinner plate dahlias to produce more blooms, it’s important to deadhead them regularly. Deadheading involves removing spent blooms from the plant before they have a chance to form seeds. This will redirect the plant’s energy towards producing new blooms.
Pinching is another technique that can help promote bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the top of the stem when the plant is about 12 inches tall, which will encourage the plant to produce more lateral shoots.
Foliage Care
Keeping your dahlia foliage healthy is important for the overall health of the plant. Make sure to water your dahlias regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid getting water on the foliage, as this can lead to disease.
Inspect your dahlias regularly for any signs of damage or disease. Removing damaged leaves and keeping the plant healthy overall will help prevent any issues from spreading.
By following these tips, you can ensure your dinner plate dahlias stay healthy and beautiful all season long.
Harvesting and Storing Dahlias
Congratulations! Your dinner plate dahlias have bloomed beautifully and it’s time to harvest them. You should wait until the first fall frost before harvesting your dahlias. The frost will signal the plant to stop producing new flowers and focus on storing energy in the tubers.
When harvesting, cut the stem of the flower just above the first set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and potentially more flowers. Be sure to use clean, sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
After harvesting, you will need to store your dahlias for the winter. Start by digging up the tubers carefully, making sure not to damage them. Brush off any excess soil and trim the stems to about 6 inches.
Next, you will need to let the tubers dry for a few days in a warm, dry place. After they have dried, store them in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage. You can store them in a box filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite to keep them from drying out too much.
It’s important to check on your stored tubers every few weeks to make sure they are not rotting or drying out. If you notice any signs of rot or mold, remove the affected tubers immediately. Properly stored dahlias can last for several months and be replanted in the spring for another beautiful bloom.
Using Dahlias in Floral Arrangements
Dinner plate dahlias are not only beautiful in the garden, but they also make stunning cut flowers for floral arrangements. Their large blooms and vibrant colors can add drama and impact to any arrangement.
When cutting dahlias for floral arrangements, it’s important to do it at the right time. Wait until the flowers are fully open and have reached their peak bloom. This will ensure that they last longer in the vase.
To cut the flowers, use sharp, clean shears and cut the stem at a 45-degree angle. Immediately place the stems in a bucket of water and bring them indoors to arrange.
When arranging dahlias, keep in mind their size and shape. They are best used as focal points in the arrangement, with smaller flowers and foliage used as fillers.
To create a balanced look, use dahlias in odd numbers and mix colors for added interest. You can also pair them with other late summer flowers, such as zinnias and sunflowers, for a colorful and lively arrangement.
To ensure that your dahlias last as long as possible in the arrangement, change the water every few days and trim the stems at an angle. You can also add floral preservatives to the water to help extend their life.
In summary, dinner plate dahlias are a stunning addition to any floral arrangement. With their large blooms and vibrant colors, they are sure to add beauty and impact to your cut flower arrangements. Remember to cut them at the right time, use them as focal points, and mix colors for a balanced look.
