Dahlias

Buy Dahlia Tubers: Colour and Beauty for Every Garden

Dahlias are real mood-makers in your garden. Whether you prefer soft pastel shades or vibrant colors, dahlias are always a good choice. The dahlia is a popular flower that originated in Mexico and is named after the Swedish naturalist Anders Dahl. They bloom for a long time, are easy to care for, and are guaranteed to steal the show in your border or cutting garden. The dahlia was introduced in the Netherlands in 1810, and since then, this flower has become a permanent fixture in our gardens. In 1819, grower C. Arentz from Leiden offered a range of approximately 70 dahlia varieties, which contributed to the flower's popularity.

There are many different types of dahlia, varying in shape, color, and size. These dahlia varieties offer a huge variety, so you're sure to find a flower that suits your garden. Our wide range of dahlia tubers and beautiful flower bulbs is easy to order online, so you can always make the right choice. When choosing dahlia tubers, you can also specify your preference for color, flower shape, or blooming time. Dahlias also attract bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity in your garden. The flowers are not only beautiful to look at but also make a valuable addition to bouquets. Each dahlia tuber is a unique addition to your garden collection. Did you know that the dahlia symbolizes strength and love? This makes them not only a beautiful but also a meaningful addition to your garden.

At Plukkers.com we have a colorful collection of dahlia bulbs ready for you, from classics to surprising newcomers, straight from the grower.

Why choose dahlia bulbs?

• Long flowering period – Dahlias bloom happily from July until the first frost and are plants that flower for months.
• Various shapes and colors – Pompoms, star shapes, large or small: there's always a dahlia to suit your style. Consider, for example, the large-flowered dahlia, such as the Decorative Dahlia, which produces impressively large and full blooms. Cactus dahlias produce flowers with elongated, involuted leaves, giving them a unique look. Dahlias are available in various heights and unique shapes, making them easy to match to your desired location in your garden. The most common types of dahlias are the Decorative, Pompom, and Cactus dahlias.
• A winner in the cutting garden – Their sturdy stems make them ideal for cutting and putting in a vase.
• Easy to combine – They look great among other summer bloomers and add a touch of flair to your border. Dahlias are suitable for both borders and bouquets.

Dahlias are truly rewarding plants: they require little maintenance, are easy to care for, and reward you with long-lasting, abundant blooms. This makes them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Dahlia Types - Large-flowered dahlias are truly enchanting flowers

Dahlias are true wonders in your garden—you could compare them to a large box of paint you can play with endlessly! They come in so many different shapes, colors, and sizes that they simply bring joy. Do you love the sweet simplicity of single-flowered dahlias? With their open hearts, they invite all the bees and butterflies to a cozy garden party. Or do you prefer those impressive giants with their beautiful large flowers? They are real eye-catchers in your borders and instantly make your bouquets look much more elegant. The colors... well, they'll make you happy: from pure white to almost black, and in between you'll find every shade of yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple imaginable. And when it comes to height, there's a size for every spot: compact specimens of 30 cm are perfect for the front border or in pots on your patio, while those true giants of over one and a half meters tall will amaze everyone. All this variety allows you to create fun combinations every year and give your garden a completely new look. And the best part is: dahlias aren't just beautiful to look at, they also make the most delightful indoor bouquets – cheerful and full of color. Discover which varieties will make your garden and home shine!

Our favorite dahlias

These favourites have been selected from a wide range of dahlias, with each variety adding its own charm and splash of colour.

• Bishop of Leicester – Lilac flowers with a soft pink hue. Delicate and stylish.
• Lenny's Dream – Soft pink and playful, ideal for a fresh garden atmosphere.

Each of these dahlias is a unique addition to our diverse range of varieties and is a valuable addition to any garden. When choosing dahlias from our selection, you can also indicate your preferred variety.

How to plant dahlia bulbs

At the beginning of the season, you can start forcing dahlia tubers. This means planting the bulbs indoors in pots, for example, starting in early March or April, so they sprout earlier and you can enjoy the flowers sooner. The advantage of forcing them is that the plants get a head start on the season and are better protected from snails and cold. During the growing season, dahlias should be fertilized regularly, preferably with potassium-rich fertilizer, starting in mid-summer. Dahlias are among the popular summer bulbs that create a colorful garden during the summer months. They require nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, possibly enriched with compost or organic fertilizer, for optimal growth.

• When to plant : After the last frost, usually around mid-May. By starting the forcing process earlier, you can accelerate flowering.
• How deep – About 4 inches, with the growing points facing up.
• Keep a distance of 30 to 50 cm between the bulbs, depending on the variety.
• Where to plant : A spot in full sun with airy, nutrient-rich soil is ideal. Plant the tubers in the garden only when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Dahlias can also be grown in partial shade. Dahlias grow best at a soil temperature of at least 15 degrees Celsius.
• Watering – Keep the soil moist, especially in warm weather.
• Support – Large dahlias appreciate some support.

Note: Dahlias are often incorrectly called bulbs, but they are actually tubers. A bulb consists of several layers, like an onion, while a tuber is a single piece and can sprout from multiple directions.

Healthy leaves are essential for plant development, as they ensure energy production and strong growth.

You can top young dahlias, which means you pinch out the growing point to encourage flowering and create a fuller plant. Topping also helps the plants bloom profusely.

After flowering, it's important to dig up the bulbs so they can survive the winter. Store them in a frost-free, dry place until the next season.

Want to know more? Read on for additional tips on planting and caring for dahlias in the garden.

Important care tips and maintenance of dahlias

There are some important dahlia care tips you shouldn't miss. Dahlias are true treasures in your garden—you simply can't ignore them! With a little love and attention, they'll treat you to months of abundant beautiful flowers in every color imaginable. The secret to that exuberant blooming season? Water your dahlias regularly, especially during those hot summers when they're just as thirsty as you, the proud dahlia grower. Keep the soil pleasantly moist. And here's a golden tip: always cut off faded flowers—your dahlias love it and will immediately produce new flowers and buds. This way, your garden, border, or pot will remain a cheerful display of color well into autumn.

You plant dahlia tubers in the spring, as soon as you no longer have to fear frost – usually after the Ice Saints, you know the drill. Choose a nice sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil, as dahlias love full sun. Dahlias love warmth and humus-rich, well-drained soil and absolutely hate wet feet or cold. Plant the beautiful flower bulbs about 10 centimeters deep in the ground, leaving enough space between them so they can grow and bloom happily. Whether you choose those large-flowered beauties, cute pompom dahlias, or perhaps cactus dahlias – each variety brings its own unique shapes and vibrant colors. Also pay attention to the leaves: they are an important part of the plant's growth and care. Really, you can't go wrong.

Dahlias aren't just perfect for the garden or border; they also thrive in pots on your patio or balcony. Perfect if you don't have much garden space! Want to enjoy their enchanting flowers for even longer? Then put them in a vase – they look wonderful indoors. In autumn, when the first frost arrives, carefully lift the bulbs from the ground. You'll notice the leaves wilt and die back once the flowering period has ended. Let them dry thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place until spring. You can also propagate dahlias from seeds, adding new variety to your garden. With a little love and dedicated care, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers year after year. A truly worthwhile investment!

Growing dahlias is simple and incredibly rewarding. Whether you're just starting to garden or have been living in a green oasis for years, dahlias transform any garden, pot, or border into a colorful paradise. Add your favorites to your garden and discover for yourself why dahlias are among the most beloved summer bloomers. You'll truly enjoy them!

Dahlias in pots

Do you have a balcony, a small garden, or just want a little extra cheer on your patio? Then potted dahlias are highly recommended! The more compact varieties, in particular, thrive in a beautiful pot or container. If you plant your dahlias in pots as early as April, you can often enjoy their magnificent blooms sooner and have fewer problems with snails (we all find them annoying, don't we?). Make sure your soil is well-draining, so excess water can drain easily and your tubers don't rot. Place your pots in a sunny spot, as dahlias are true sunshine babies and display their most beautiful colors when they get plenty of light. During dry spells, it's helpful to water regularly, as potting soil dries out faster than regular garden soil. With potted dahlias, you can instantly create an explosion of color, even in the smallest outdoor space. And the best part? You can simply move the pots around if you feel like changing up your garden layout or if your plants need more sun. This way, you can turn every corner into a cozy, blooming oasis that will make you happy!

Ecological benefits of dahlias

Dahlias are a true gift for your garden and for all the little friends that fly around! With their flowers full of nectar and pollen, you'll attract plenty of bees and butterflies to your garden—and believe me, that's always a beautiful sight. The great thing about dahlias is that they keep blooming until the first frost, so for months on end, you'll not only get color in your garden yourself, but you'll also provide food for all the pollinators. Especially handy when other flowers have already faded! By simply growing a few dahlias, you can transform your garden into a welcoming place buzzing with life. They help maintain a healthy balance in your garden and ensure that your outdoor space not only looks beautiful but also truly benefits the surrounding nature. This way, you can enjoy those beautiful flowers and give nature a helping hand at the same time!

Combining dahlias with other plants

Want a cozy garden bursting with color? Then simply combine dahlias with other summer bloomers like cosmos, zinnias, heliotropes, asters, or cannas—we always do it that way too! These plants complement each other beautifully and together create such a lavish floral display that your neighbors will surely be jealous. Just choose varieties that bloom around the same time and enjoy the same spots, and you're already halfway there. By mixing different colors and flower shapes, you can transform your borders into truly unique, vibrant spaces where you discover new surprises every day. Don't forget to regularly cut away those faded flowers—it sounds a bit sad, but your plants will actually be thrilled, producing cheerful new buds well into autumn. With this clever mix of dahlias and their companions, you can create a garden that's not only stunning but also offers something new every day!

Dahlias in the cutting garden

Dahlias are natural bouquet flowers and are among the most popular cut flowers due to their versatility, flower shapes, and colors. They also look beautiful indoors as cut flowers. Cut them early in the morning for the best vase life, and keep picking regularly – this encourages new blooms. By picking regularly, you help your dahlias bloom profusely. New flowers keep appearing after picking. Dahlias bloom from summer into autumn, so you can enjoy fresh flowers for months in the vase and in your garden, as the dahlia blooms for months.

What do you do with dead flowers and how do you store dahlia tubers?

Your dahlias have been a show-stopper for months. But now that they've finished blooming, you're wondering: what now? The answer is simple. By cutting off spent flowers in time, you encourage the plant to produce new flowers. But towards the end of the season—usually around the first frost—it's time to say goodbye to the above-ground portion of the plant. Cut the foliage back to 10 cm above the ground, so you can then carefully dig out the tubers.

Do you have dahlias in the ground? Then wait until the foliage has died back due to frost. This is the best time to dig the tubers out of the ground. Do this carefully, for example with a rake, so you don't damage the tubers. Remove as much soil as possible and let the summer bulbs dry for a few days in an airy place, out of the sun. This prevents mold from forming.

Then store the dahlia tubers in a dry, dark, and frost-free place. Think of a shed, cellar, or garage. Place them in a wooden crate, cardboard box, or crate, perhaps layered with sawdust, peat moss, or newspaper. This will protect them from both drying out and moisture. Check the bulbs once a month. Remove any rotten ones immediately to protect the rest.

By properly caring for your tubers, you'll have a flying start next year. A dahlia that has overwintered will come back stronger. And you? All you have to do is plant it in the spring and enjoy another summer full of color.