Can You Plant Dinner Plate Dahlias in Pots?

If you are a fan of dahlias, you know how lovely and colorful they can be in your garden. But what if you don't have enough space or proper garden beds to plant them? Can you plant dinner plate dahlias in pots? Let's find out.

Choosing the Right Pot

Before you start planting, you need to choose the right pot for your dinner plate dahlias. Keep in mind that these plants grow big and need a lot of space to thrive, so you need to choose a container that is at least 18 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the plant's size. Look for a lightweight pot made of terracotta or plastic, with good drainage holes to prevent the soil from getting waterlogged.

Preparing the Potting Soil

Dinner plate dahlias like rich, well-draining soil, so you need to prepare the potting mix before planting. You can use a commercial potting mix and add some perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Alternatively, you can make your own mix by combining equal parts of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite, along with a handful of bone meal or fish meal for added nutrients.

Planting the Dahlia Bulbs

Once you have the pot and potting mix ready, you can plant the dinner plate dahlias. Start by filling the pot with the potting mix, leaving about 3-4 inches of space from the top. Dig a hole in the soil and place the dahlia bulb horizontally, with the eye or stem facing up. Cover the bulb with soil, leaving about an inch of space from the top.

Caring for Your Pot-Grown Dahlias

To ensure your dinner plate dahlias grow healthy and strong in the pot, you need to provide them with proper care. Here are some tips:

Water regularly. Dahlias need moist soil, so water them deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry weather.

Fertilize regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season to promote growth and bloom.

Provide support. Dinner plate dahlias grow tall and heavy, so you need to stake them or use a support cage to prevent them from toppling over.

Deadhead regularly. Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production.

Overwinter indoors. In colder climates, dig up the dahlia tubers before the first frost and store them in a cool, dark place until spring. Replant them in the pot when the weather warms up.

Conclusion

Yes, you can plant dinner plate dahlias in pots, as long as you choose the right pot and soil, and provide them with the proper care. These stunning flowers will brighten up your patio or balcony and add color and cheer to your home. Give them a try and enjoy their beauty all summer long.