Are you trying to make your garden more colorful with dahlias, but are frustrated by the lack of blooms?
Yeah…I feel you man! Not only is it frustrating, but also super heartbreaking when you plant something new with so much passion and it doesn’t bloom like you hoped it would.
In today’s article, let’s put an end to this disappointment once and for all by discussing some common reasons why the flowering may be halted and what you can do to fix it. But first…
How Long Do Dahlias Take To Bloom?
Most dahlia varieties are ready to bloom anywhere between 60-100 days after planting.
However, this is a very general estimate and it doesn’t take into account regional temperature conditions and tens of other factors that can affect bloom speed.
Different varieties can bloom at different times, and some may take more or less time to bloom than others. Certain varieties like Cafe au Lait may not even flower till late August or even September!
Are Your Dahlias In The Right Spot To Bloom?
Fortunately or unfortunately, dahlias are just one of those perennials that have a butt ton of needs and requirements.
You must provide them with full sun throughout the day (minimum of 6-8 hours daily), well-drained soil to counter excess water, and plant them either in a large container or in the ground where their growth can be accommodated well.
And if you’re dealing with other bloomless plants too, this homemade fix for hydrangeas not blooming might be just what your garden needs.
5 Reasons Why Your Dahlias Are Not Blooming
1: Not Enough Sunlight
Like I mentioned earlier, dahlias need plenty of sunlight to grow well and produce flowers like they’re supposed to. Giving them 6-8 hours of undisturbed sunlight daily should be your utmost priority when dealing with this needy perennial.
Fix: In case your garden is shaded or sunlight disappears at times, consider moving your dahlia container around throughout the day. Another simple hack is to trim the overhead branches so that more sunlight can be absorbed by the perennial efficiently.
2: Watering Issues: Too Much Or Too Little?
Watering issues are common with dahlias, and unfortunately for you, this perennial is super sensitive to water changes.
Both too much and too little can halt flower production, either by creating a dry or an overly soggy, wet environment that attracts pests and diseases.
Fix: The best fix for this issue is to work on mending your watering routine according to your dahlias’ needs and watering them deeply 1-3 times per week. Consider factors like seasonality and temperature conditions when deciding the frequency.
You should also check out these fertilizing tips for peonies, many of the same bloom-boosting principles apply to dahlias too.
3: Excess Nitrogen From Fertilizers
If your regular-use fertilizer contains a higher nitrogen content, that may be the reason you’re experiencing problems with blooming. You see, nitrogen is a very helpful nutrient for plants, but it mainly promotes leafy growth and overall improvement in plant stems and structure rather than blooming.
Fix: Opt for a balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer blend that ideally has an NPK of 5-10-5 or 0-10-10 in some cases. While growing dahlias, it’s best to shift nutrient priority from nitrogen to potassium and phosphorus.
4: You’re Skipping Deadheading & Pruning
Deadheading and removing old stems and spent flowers from your dahlia plants can help lighten them up significantly, encouraging new, fruitful growth. You can also try pinching the stems when they’re about 10-12 inches tall to promote better branching results.
Fix: While all these techniques might seem like some minor tricks and gimmicks, they can actually make a substantial difference as the dahlias near flowering maturity.
If you’re unsure how to start, this simple guide on how and when to deadhead dahlias walks you through exactly how to do it.
5: Wrong Timing Or Tubers Were Planted Too Early
Bad news for all of you who planted their dahlias during the peak cold season or around the end of the season when it’s already too late: it’s not going to end well for them.
Fix: If you’re working with a dahlia variety that blooms late (80-120 days after planting), it’s not that big of a deal. However, in most cases, planting too early or too late will almost certainly worsen your flowering results.
And if you’re growing roses as well, here’s how to deadhead them properly to keep the blooms coming just like with dahlias.
Let’s Conclude
Dahlias can be complex perennials to fully understand until you’ve actually grown them yourself. They’re one of those plants that one can only master with experience; just knowledge alone won’t cut it.
To anyone kicking off their dahlia growing journey, time is your ally. Learn about this perennial as it grows, and make sure you’re taking away lessons from your mistakes. Best of luck!
But, before you leave, you should also take a look at how to keep salvia blooming through summer.
