Dahlia Plant for Plantation

There s no need to water the soil until the dahlia plants appear; in fact, over-watering can cause tubers to rot. After dahlias are established, provide a deep watering 2 to 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes with a sprinkler (and more in dry, hot climates). Like many large-flower hybrid plants, the big dahlias may need extra attention before or after rain, when open blooms tend to fill up with water or take a beating from the wind. Bedding dahlias need no staking or dis-budding; simply pinch out the growing point to encourage bushiness, and deadhead as the flowers fade. Pinch the centre shoot just above the third set of leaves. For the taller dahlias, insert stakes at planting time. Moderately pinch, dis-branch, and dis-bud, and deadhead to produce a showy display for 3 months or more. Dahlia foliage blackens with the first frost. Dahlias are hearty to zone 8 and can be cut back and left in the ground to overwinter; cover with a deep, dry mulch. Elsewhere, the tuberous roots should be lifted and stored during the winter.