Growing Dahlias in Containers | How I Stopped Killing My Dahlias

Hello! My name is Bethany and I grow things in my rooftop container garden in Chicago. In this video, I'll go over tips on how to grow dahlias in containers and what I did wrong in the past.
Planting Video I Followed: • Growing Dahlias In Con...
Dahlia Growing Tips:
- Choose a container with good drainage that is at least 12 inches in diameter. I use growbags.
- Use a well-draining potting mix and slow-release fertilizer at planting
- Put in a location that gets full sun, but note if dahlias droop during the hot afternoons and move to a shady location during that time
- Keep soil moist, but not wet
- Pinch top growth to make the plant bushier and deadhead regularly for more flowers
- Fertilize with a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks but don't overfertilize
For daily updates, follow me on Instagram @chicagogardener
My favorite gardening products: www.amazon.com/shop/chicagoga...

[@Lgalitz]

Have grown dahlias for years in 14 inch plastic pots. No problems and they're gorgeous ! So many varieties it's hard to choose 😊

[@simangelemariemkhize5831]

Your dahlias are beautiful & look so healthy. Thank you for sharing your learnings. For the 1st time I'll use pots for the dahlias, so your video has been helpful. Enjoy the blooms.

[@ChicagoGardener]

That’s so exciting! Let me know how it goes!

[@LifeIsMessyImLearningAsIGrow]

Thanks for sharing your video! Your garden is beautiful. I’m a gardener too and I’m researching all the things I can grow in containers. I’m happy it led me to find you. I’m so happy it did your channel has so much to offer! This is very helpful. Thanks for teaching me something new. I hope we can learn more from each other as we grow our gardens and our channels! 💐🌸🌺🌻

[@asuss8268]

Great idea on the grow bag! Thanks for sharing.

[@toninelson1956]

This is my first year growing dahlias. I’m in love love love ❤️

[@ChicagoGardener]

Aren’t they beautiful!

[@shansbo217]

This is helpful and telling. Everything I grow from seed lives and thrives better than any plant i buy from the store. Very telling.

[@ChicagoGardener]

I completely agree!

[@chilloften]

They are beautiful. Glad you showed the grow bags-so interesting. I hadn’t been aware of such and don’t like plastic pots but that’s what I could find. Had to force my own drainage holes.

[@craftshark3221]

Fantastic narration , lots of useful grow information and attractive video images : )

[@nolagirl7082]

Thanks for taking the time and effort into making such an informative video! I am fairly new to gardening, I’ve been at it for 5 years now, but this is my first time trying Dahlia’s. Well, technically it’s my second time, but I literally threw some seeds into a pot the first time trying, haha! Now I have a little more knowledge under my belt about gardening in general, and I have all of the proper stuff to give me a good start. My tubers were planted into small plastic starter pots a few weeks ago and they are already showing the first signs of growth. I live in the south in zone 9, so I figured getting them started early would be good, especially considering it’s been a very warm winter here in New Orleans. And very soon, I’m either going to transplant those into the ground or I was considering trying them in containers. That’s very interesting what you pointed out about the container not giving enough air flow to the plant. I’ve never heard of that before. Definitely something to consider. I hope you have those bags linked in your description. Happy gardening friend!🌻

[@ChicagoGardener]

Happy gardening to you too and let me know how your dahlias do!

[@flowerpixel]

Awesome tips. I *love* grow bags. Didn't know I could grow dahlias in them

[@ChicagoGardener]

They’ve done really well for me in grow bags! Much better than other containers I’ve tried before.

[@grannygct]

Thank you for the video on dahlias. Gorgeous flowers! I will try growing some in CA. Nice cut flowers!

[@AngieBurgs]

Thank you for all your tips! This is my first year growing dahlias!

[@ChicagoGardener]

Yay!! You will fall in love with them.

[@janetcorey5102]

Very clear and concise information! Thank you🌺

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@danihu03]

I would definitely stake ahead of time to prevent puncturing the tuber. Been there done that. Also if you wait to long it will start to contort. I haven’t had much problem planting in the ground. Spider mites have been my main problem. I am interested in planting in pots to make it easier to collect tubers in the fall. But I’m thinking of sticking the pot in the soil.

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’m definitely staking ahead of time this year! Hoping that keeps them more stable especially in the wind up here.

[@CeliaMcKee]

Thank you for making this very educational video! I am also in Zone 6 and got some tubers to start trying dahlias in containers this year. I was worried that I would be disappointed with trying to put them in my 10 gallon grow bags since I couldn't find anyone else talking about doing this, so your video was a perfect example. So excited to get them started!

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’m so glad to hear that! They’ve definitely done the best for me in grow bags than any other container I’ve tried.

[@timandjenoser3933]

I’m trying this! 6b and I have wanted to do dahlias but I didn’t want to be fishing around the garden to dig them out in the fall. This will be an easy way to get the tubers out easily

[@charlottea8875]

Beautiful dahlias! 😍 I will grow some of mine in plastic containers and I will be drilling holes at the sides of it and in the back to let water out and meaby underneath as well otherwise they might rot if I overwater them. I have like 70-80 dahlias this year and some of them will also be in growing boxes. They need a lot of space. A small container will make them grow less so they tend to be smaller. I have huge containers. 😅

[@eikoqdupree101]

WOW YOU ARE AMAZING. WHY I NEVER SEEN YOU BEFORE??? I THOUGHT YOU WERE NEW. BUT ANYWAY I THINK YOU ARE VERY STRAIGHT FORWARD AND TO THE POINT. YET PERSONABLE. EASY TO LIKE. THANK YOU , I ENJOY THIS LEARNING EXPERIENCE. 🌺

[@gracieshomeandgardens5089]

That's a great idea.thanks for sharing.🇨🇦

[@vickiesims643]

Your plants look healthy. I recently started using grow bags . I love um . Thanks for the video.

[@ChicagoGardener]

Grow bags we’re game changing for me with dahlias!

[@JenniferDacon]

THANKS FOR SHARING, FIRST TIME TO SEE A GROW BAg thanks for saving us money and teaching us from what you learned. i"m new to dahlias. tytyt

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’m glad it was helpful! I really love grow bags mostly bc they’re so cheap!

[@emiliadrew3283]

Awesome video! I look forward to seeing how my bulb does 😊 thanks you very much!

[@ChicagoGardener]

Let me know how it goes!

[@martiee6882]

thanks for making this video!

[@babarrafique545]

Good morning and very nice video and good information

[@donnaleone3818]

So helpful!! Thank you!

[@dollyperry3020]

Great video. I lost several plants last year. There stems are so fragile. I'd use the peony half bars, one on each side.

[@dorotheafinan2419]

Extremely useful. Thank you

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’m glad it was helpful!!

[@bellarosa009]

Your dahlias are beautiful! I grew up in Chicago - moved away to the suburbs and every garden season we drive down to Gesthesame. I love that nursery! Great tips on growing dahlias. I wonder if you can keep them in the grow bag to overwinter and just bring them inside? I like the idea of the grow bags. I started mine in plastic pots for around a month or so, and planted them out in June, I think. They did really well. This year, I’m adding more of the deep wine colors. Too many choices! Happy gardening.

[@ChicagoGardener]

Gethsemane is the best! I’m testing keeping one in a grow bag in the garage and the other tuber I’m storing in vermiculite. We’ll see if either of them survive!

[@bellarosa009]

@@ChicagoGardener Don't forget to give an update - I would really like to know which method works best. I stored mine in vermiculite, I think, and I'm going to check them next month to see what survived. I've been ordering way too many!

[@econrathe]

Thanks for the great tips

[@ChicagoGardener]

I hope they are helpful!!

[@urbangardeningandchickenke1018]

Excellent video

[@Bowadventures]

Thanks for sharing to grow the Dahilas in containers which is I never grow it. When I get a chance to plant it

[@richa1996]

Wow dahlias You'll get wonderful blooms

[@ChicagoGardener]

I love the blooms so much! I'm definitely adding more to the garden next year.

[@pjorge8363]

Thank you for sharing! GOD bless!

[@sshannah1]

I would love to know more about your drip system for the dahlias !

[@tnijoo5109]

Yes. Same!

[@marymary5494]

Thanks for the information. What stunning blooms. This is my first year with dahlias, I have planted them in plastic pots, after hearing what you say I’m wondering if they will be ok. I was late leaving them out at at night because of what felt like every slug in the country had decided to come descend on my greenhouse and garden. 😢 I have now rigged pots up with an electric copper “fence”.

[@dianeconway293]

Hi I’m intrigued what is a copper electric fence 😊

[@shanky2926]

Great information, do you have a video on practically how you plated tubers ?

[@atefbasha1809]

It's very very very good Bethany..Chicago gardene🌷🌺😴😫🇺🇸🎵🎹🎺🎶🎧SO much To AMERICA Now Now

[@Angie-mm9rn]

I just bought the Café au Lait and it looks just like the one you have....at least on the accompanying picture

[@wmnpwr98]

Thank you for this video! As a novice gardener myself, I have committed to growing dahlias this year in containers and in my garden this year. You have helped me given me some helpful tips! Would you mind linking the fertilizer you used?

[@ChicagoGardener]

I use the brand Fox Farm! I get the three pack of different varieties on Amazon.

[@emptynestblooms9466]

Thank you!

[@KitchenGardenTherapy]

Dahlias are one of my favorites flowers, too bad they are not hardy to Chicago’s winter))

[@ChicagoGardener]

I know 😫 I’m hoping the overwintering process goes well 🤞

[@pattysantos200]

This video inspired me to do this on my tiny balcony, hopefully it works. Regarding the drip system, how often and how much water do they get? Im considering installing one for when Im away on vacation. Thanks!

[@ChicagoGardener]

We had a very wet spring last year so I think I turned on the drip system mid to late June. It ran once in the morning for 20 minutes and I only used I emitter per grow bag. There were a few times I watered again in the afternoon during the really hot summer days.

[@user-ks5ht8el3h]

Helpful...

[@hollyc8356]

I just bought a small five inch plant are you saying I should put it in a 12 inch pot???

[@AshlynLocke]

Love your videos :) What is your preferred soil type for container gardening?

[@ChicagoGardener]

I actually don’t have a favorite! I usually just grab whatever is available at the store. I will say I find potting soil from garden centers to be a bit better quality compared to miracle gro but only bc I’ve had some potting soil from them that has a lot of large bark chunks in it.

[@precillalobo3638]

New friend joined u..very nice sharing.. Stay connected

[@aliaevedickenson]

I found your explanation!! :))

[@ChicagoGardener]

Great! I hope it was helpful!!

[@danihu03]

Yes they look like cafe to me. (The dahlia you showed )

[@BoldFollower]

That’s so weird, that you had better luck growing them from the seed vs buying them already established. Gardening makes no sense sometimes

[@kadirkacir12]

Çiçeklerin. Çok. Mükemmel. Güzel. Ve. Bahçe. Saygılar sevgiler seni. Hocam😍😍🌻🌺🌼🍀🌸🎄💐

[@debbiets]

How did you get the stalk to grow so thick? 😮

[@2010Luap]

I hate to be that creep to comment on someone's beauty but WOW, you made my heart smile :)

[@amyjohnson7527]

This video is so helpful to a fellow Chicagoland dweller! Hey, might you tell me what size grow bag you used? 15 gallon seems huge, but…

[@ChicagoGardener]

7 gallon!

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thank you so much for another great garden video thank you so much for so many great tips I have a lot of plants I have tried to grow in my garden and have had zero luck so I think I’ve tried to grow them too and I don’t think I had any luck with them either but I’m not a great gardener either

[@ChicagoGardener]

Have you ever tried grow bags? I used to kill a lot of plants be overwatering them and grow bags have helped stop that!

[@sshannah1]

What kind of soil do you use? Do you mix your own?

[@Louyou2]

I'm growing in pots this year.I had trouble digging up last year was thinking of wintering then over right in their pots in my basement. What do you think?

[@ChicagoGardener]

The dahlia I overwintered in the grow bag did much better than the one I dug up so I’m leaving them all in their containers this winter!

[@vmvangala]

Hi, Bethany, I love your videos and the way you explaining, I have a question, I am from Chicago suburbs and want to buy AA dahlias, can you suggest me where to buy?

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’ve only ever purchased dahlia tubers from gethsemane garden center in Chicago. They always have a great selection so I would totally recommend stopping in if you can! I think they usually get them in early April.

[@kelsie0889]

What is the other link you mentioned for planting dahlias. This will be my first year trying to grow them.

[@ChicagoGardener]

I just posted a recent video showing the method I used last year but the channel I followed is Harvesting History!

[@erindav1]

Great video. Now I got mine at a store. Do all dahlias grow big?

[@ChicagoGardener]

Not all of them grow tall. There are some that only get about a foot tall and I have some in my garden that will get 2-3 feet and others that get 5 feet tall!

[@rebecaorsi554]

You can wash the grow bags on a bucket with vinegar . I have been using them for 3 years and they look great

[@ChicagoGardener]

That’s great to know! Ill try that this year. How long do you let them soak?

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Do Dahilas stay bloomed long? I have beautiful giant red and orange lilly's and they last fairly long.

[@ChicagoGardener]

This is my first year growing them successfully but I’ve heard they should keep blooming into Fall.

[@gardingyrl3501]

I've seen some people use clear plastic cling wrap, and vermiculite to store theirs, what did you do?

[@ChicagoGardener]

I did a video I think in November going through the process of storing them but I’m testing one in a container with vermiculite and the other I left as is in the grow bag and put it in the garage! I’m hoping the one in the grow bag survives bc so far it’s been much easier maintenance wise.

[@sarahmoore4917]

Can you leave plant in pot, and just bring it inside before frost? Park it in front of sunny window for the winter?

[@ChicagoGardener]

That’s a good question! I brought mine inside and stored it in the garage where it’s cool but not freezing during the winter. I’m not sure about inside of the house though.

[@urbangardeningandchickenke1018]

Just subscribed your channel

[@gabriellaleal4577]

If I plant mine by seed mid March when should I expect them to fully bloom? I’m in San Antonio Tx zone 9 I believe

[@ChicagoGardener]

I can’t say for sure since I don’t have experience in that warm of a climate (I wish it was that warm here 😩) but I’d say I got blooms about a month and a half after they started sprouting. I think it was sometime late June here.

[@tinalee7650]

Did you plant one tuber per grow bag??? I'm thinking of doing some that way and was curious. And it does look like a Cafe Au Lait to me :)

[@ChicagoGardener]

Yes! One tuber in each pot. I’m going to add a lot more pots next year 😂

[@tinalee7650]

@@ChicagoGardener Me too!! Thanks!

[@nicolesevertson1075]

Would you consider a Terra Cotta pot as breathable?

[@ChicagoGardener]

I would! Not as much as grow bags, but more breathable than plastic or glazed pots.

[@ziziaixianluo]

I think this is dahlia café au lait royal. I have these in my garden too :)

[@ChicagoGardener]

That’s what most people have said and what it looks the most similar to in photos so I’m wondering if it was just labeled wrong.

[@katiechi3294]

i got my potted dahlias two months ago, all the flowers bloomed but now the leaves seemed like it shrunk and a little brown, it’s sad looking. no buds or flowers. any suggestions ? i’m in california zone 9.

[@jeanchenhappy]

same with mine!!!

[@privateperson5769]

I am thinking of using grow bags for my dahlias but am concerned they are going to need too much watering in the heat of summer as the grow bags dry out so much faster? How much / how often are u watering them in the grow bags? thanks heaps.

[@ChicagoGardener]

I water once every morning most days. On days when it gets really hot, I would water again in the afternoon but I always check the soil first bc sometimes they would wilt just from the sun but the soil was still wet.

[@privateperson5769]

@@ChicagoGardener thank you :)

[@steliosemmanouilidis5050]

Hello, how many shoots do you leave? Mine grew 3 and I removed one, but I see in yours youve left just one, is that preferable?

[@ChicagoGardener]

I didn’t remove any, just let it grow with however many shoots came up! If you have a lot of shoots though, it might be time to divide your tuber for next season.

[@ChipsGreenWorld]

Great informational vlog ✅ 🌱 Chip 👋🏼 CHIPS WORLD

[@Sweetlady1916]

Do you have any suggestions where to purchase Dahlia seeds/tubers? Your Dahlia are lovely!😍

[@ChicagoGardener]

I’m not sure where you are located but I got mine from gethsemane garden center in Chicago! It’s my first year growing them so I don’t have experience with any other places but I’d check with your local garden centers!

[@bellarosa009]

I’ve purchased dahlia tubers at Home Depot, Menards and Lowes. A wonderful online source is swan island dahlias.

[@cookingwithlie445]

Great my friend for sharing video This is an awesome, amazing upload and the location is everything for me 😍. New friend here👈 I joined you already Please stay connected

[@northrupmj]

how cold is too cold for the dahlias?

[@ChicagoGardener]

When they’re growing the prefer nighttime temps about 60 degrees. Over winter, tubers should be stored around 40-45 degrees.

[@shirleylee5540]

I accidentally ordered two 15 gal grow bags instead of the 7 gal. Do you think I could plant two tubers in one bag? I'm so glad that I found your channel. I love dahlias and never had much luck growing them in the ground. They would grow the first season only. I do live in zone 9.

[@ChicagoGardener]

I feel like two should work in that size bag!

[@nikhathussain6549]

Kindly tell about the suitable direction. Where to keep it in the house.

[@ChicagoGardener]

My garden is west facing and I keep it in the area that gets sun the longest.

[@nikhathussain6549]

@@ChicagoGardener it's great to answer👍 I will deal my Dahlias as yours .

[@barbmurray8557]

First year gardening. Wish me luck 🙏

[@ChicagoGardener]

Good luck! You’ll be amazed at how much you learn in just one year.

[@ChicagoGardener]

I recorded a video showing how I planted my dahlias this year! This is the same method I used for the dahlias in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3yapoKAaslljNU

[@Kathy-ku9tm]

Arirs t year trying yself did fatily well ill try again bext yearosre

[@lurklingX]

that's weird, there's no option to save this vid.... i guess you have the 'for kids' option on which takes that away.... dang. i wanted to reference this later.

[@ChicagoGardener]

That’s weird! I’ll check the settings now and turn it off if it is. Thank you for letting me know!

[@anugnad]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bbyjcky1]

So you did no pinching???

[@bbyjcky1]

Oh you say “dead head”, but I believe you meant pinching…pinching encourages bushier growth, deadheading is just removing the spent blooms…

[@ChicagoGardener]

I didn’t pinch last year, just removed the spent flowers. I’m going to this year or might actually test pinching some and not others and see how it compares!

[@atefbasha1809]

It's very very very good beautifully women's rights work 😫🇺🇸✨🐶🐎🐏🌷🌻🌺🌱🌲💮🌸and a lot of videos show me to America today and Tomorrow

[@mayaportland8805]

That's not a seven gallon

[@ChicagoGardener]

It is a 7 gallon grow bag. The camera might make it look smaller than it is.

[@Kathy-ku9tm]

Sueau5igul glodiferent kids

[@selwonkmada]

Did you accidentally spit at 1.02 !? 😆