Your Real Guide to Growing Success
Dahlias may be total showstoppers, but they come with their fair share of garden gossip. Let’s set the record straight so you can dive into the season feeling confident and ready to grow.
Myth 1: Dahlias can’t grow in pots.
False — they’re surprisingly container-friendly with the right setup.
They’re actually an excellent choice for patios and decks, offering big colour without needing garden bed space. Dahlias can absolutely thrive in containers when given:
- A large pot (minimum 14–16” across for most varieties)
- Rich, well-draining soil. We recommend using Home & Garden Perennial Mix.
- Consistent watering – containers dry out faster.
- Strong support like a central stake or tomato cage
- A compact or border variety if you prefer something tidy. We would suggest a Bronze-leaf or Ball Variety.
Myth 2: Pinching harms the plant
False — it encourages more stems, better branching, and bigger harvests.
Pinching may feel counter-intuitive – snipping off the top of a perfectly healthy dahlia plant – but it’s actually one of the best things you can do for a fuller, more productive plant. Removing the top 3–4 inches when the plant reaches about 12–16 inches tall signals the dahlia to branch out, producing multiple strong stems instead of one tall, lanky shoot.
The result?
- More blooms throughout the season
- Longer, sturdier stems ideal for cutting
- A bushier, more balanced plant that’s easier to support
- Better overall production, especially in smaller spaces
- In short: a quick pinch early on leads to a bigger, better, bloomier plant all summer long.
Myth 3: Dahlias are hard to grow.
False — they’re surprisingly beginner-friendly with just a few simple essentials.
Dahlias have a reputation for being fussy, but most of that comes from overthinking them. In reality, they’re one of the most rewarding flowers for new gardeners because they grow fast, bounce back easily, and deliver huge colour for very little effort.
- Give them sun, well-drained soil, and room to grow, and they’ll do most of the work themselves. You don’t need special fertilizers, complicated pruning, or expert techniques—just plant the tuber, wait for warm weather, and let them take off.
- Once they’re growing, regular harvesting (or deadheading) keeps the blooms coming, and even gardeners who “forget” a step here or there still end up with gorgeous flowers.
- Bottom line: Dahlias aren’t divas—they’re generous, forgiving plants that look fancy but act like easygoing garden friends. Perfect for beginners and seasoned growers alike.