Growing Dwarf Dahlias in Containers | How to Grow Dahlias in India

Here’s all the information you need about Growing Dwarf Dahlias in Containers to enjoy its spectacular large blooms in winters!

Dahlia is a tuberous perennial famous for its blooms that appear in striking shades of white, yellow, red, and purple. If also want to add them to your home and garden, then here’s everything about Growing Dwarf Dahlias in Containers!

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Propagating Dahlias 

You can propagate dahlia from seeds or stem cutting, but we highly recommend you to get a well-grown plant from a nursery for a specific color and variety.

From Seeds

You can buy dahlia seeds from any local vendor and sow them in a potting mix from February to April. Water well and keep the pot where it can get bright, indirect sunlight.

From Cuttings

To propagate dahlia from cutting, snip 4-5 inches shoots along with tuber. Remove the lower leaves,  dip the end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a container with potting soil. Mist it slightly and place it in warm, indirect sunlight. The cutting will take around 4-6 weeks to develop shoots.

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Growing Requirements of Dahlias

Sunlight

Dahlia performs best when nurtured with 4-6 hours of full sunlight. If growing indoors, a south or west-facing window will be the best. Dahlias appreciate morning sunlight, but save it from direct exposure to the scorching afternoon sun during summers.

Water

As a thumb rule, water potted dahlias deeply when the topsoil looks dry. Avoid overwatering the plant as it may cause fungal diseases.

Temperature

Most dahlias require at least a temperature above 13°C to bloom well. A range of 15-22° C is considered an ideal temperature range for thriving dahlia.

Soil

Dahlia loves well-draining and fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.5-7. For growing dahlia in containers, you should prefer a soilless potting mix. DIY it by mixing equal parts of fine bark, vermiculite, peat, and perlite. Alternatively, you can also blend equal parts compost, coarse sand, and coconut coir.

Pot Size

For growing dahlia in a container, choose an 8-12 inches pot with drainage holes at the bottom.

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Dahlia Care

Fertilizer

Use a low nitrogen, 5-10-10 fertilizer during the growing period every 4-5 weeks. They can also be fed with fertilizer designated especially for tomatoes. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizer as it will result in more foliage and lesser blooms.

Pests and Diseases

Look out for snails, slugs, spider mites, and aphids. Use a neem oil solution to keep them at bay. Also, keep the area around the plant clean, deadhead spent flowers, and remove yellow foliage periodically. Prevent wetting the leaves as a precautionary measure.