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When you want show-stoppingplants with big flowers, nothing beats dinner plate dahlias.
These tall, colorful, long-blooming plants feature flower heads that can grow to more than 12 inches wide.
Pick a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil and water and fertilize frequently to see them thrive.
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Water
Don’t water tubers immediately on planting as this can lead to rotting.
Wait until you see them sprouting green growth.
Established dinner plate dahlias are thirsty plants that need ample water during their growing season.
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Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Water Retention
Mulchinghelps the plants conserve water.
They do best in temperatures ranging from around 60F to 80F.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Always wait until spring soil temperatures reach 60F before planting tubers.
High humidity can result in heat stress and a poor bloom season.
A water-soluble or low-nitrogen fertilizer with a balance of 5-10-10 or 10-10-20 usually works well.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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Staking
Don’t forget to stake these tall plants to prevent drooping or snapping stalks.
Pick a stake that’s at least six feet tall.
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A less high-maintenance approach is to invest in a supportive tomato cage.
What Do Dinner Plate Dahlia Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The appearance of dinner plate dahlias varies depending on the variety you select.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They require particular soil conditions, regular and careful watering, and fertilizing.
Plus, the de-budding, deadheading, and overwintering requirements mean dinner plate dahlias arent low-maintenance plants.
Dinner plate dahlias usually bloom from mid-summer to fall frosts.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Dahlia.ASPCA
The Dirt on Dahlias.Penn State Extension
