Growing dahlias - everything you need to know about how to choose and grow dahlias

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

If you're looking for information on how to protect dahlias from earwigs, slugs and snails, then Steve has tips in this video on controlling dahlia pests and what to do when dahlias don't flower: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZvbaHSJpauMobs

[@jennyjones2571]

What a really interesting speaker. He had me interested to the end.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, yes, he is such an expert.

[@MsBolinas]

I live in Northern Nevada-cold and snowy in the winter. They come back up every spring!

[@tlhhappyvoice1]

Loved his advice and exquisite care for the plants and all of the ecosystems around them 💕🙏😊

[@chrysalis72]

Me too ❣️

[@kayladean3741]

I grew these for the first time last year. I almost gave up and didn’t think they were going to bloom, they finally did and they were absolutely gorgeous

[@MothmanBaddie]

What a magical feeling!

[@Gigilamer]

Well done!

[@ms.keziah107]

Yes! Good for you! I've heard plants never really die. I have brought back dead plants that looked like their life was over. I'm not a plant expert but planting takes alot of care and patience 🤗😇

[@angellr8539]

They like when it starts to cool down. Early September is height but they will go nuts right before the first frost here. Magnificent. CNY

[@justinelattimer1534]

This was a wonderful interview thank you. Informative and entertaining. I loved how environmentally responsible and practical he was. He doesn’t just love dahlias he appreciates and respects nature. Very inspiring.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leahhoward1212]

OMG the way he talks about dahlias, you can tell he really loves them! :-)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, he is a real expert.

[@MothmanBaddie]

Even though I was more so looking for a quick rundown about dahlias, I just couldn’t click away. What a pleasure it is to listen to someone talk about something so candidly and with such expertise.

[@victorialando642]

What a pleasant person! He really loves not only his flowers but also the nature around his garden. This responsable attitude to nature does him honour!

[@festuswilliams9428]

Hi Victoria.

[@michaelasimmons-lackner8331]

Thank you for this most interesting interview and for asking these vital questions. I learned more about dahlia growing from this interview than from umpteen videos running 5 x the length. Brilliant, exceptionally well done. Most appreciated.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@debbieaustin2549]

I couldn't agree more!

[@busarafirestone1180]

Your mix of expert interviews, and summaries are just so useful and packed with information. I am a garden professional and I learn so much every time. Thanks again for another priceless video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, that's lovely to hear from a garden professional.

[@nickyhulse6681]

I just planted my first dahlias today! Crossing my fingers. Thank you for the video. It was very informative and helpful.

[@annadavis6361]

Good luck! I’m planting my soon as well for the first time!

[@jakevalent6180]

Tranquil and appealing to the over-stressed. I want this for myself 😞

[@veemcg3682]

I have really enjoyed this video as the gentleman you were interviewing really knows and was fluently able to share all the information one would need to know about dahlias. I have unfortunately lost my dahlias to frost but now I know more about them I can purchase and care for new ones more appropriately. We have frosts here in NI until June and from early October and my garden has wet heavy clay. Thank you so much ❤️. Please continue to make videos.

[@rayodelsol80]

I literally just watched Monty Don and he featured this garden! So cool. I just bought two Thomas Edison dahlia tubers for spring this year. I can’t wait!

[@francesnustedt9036]

Thank you Alexandra. Two years old this video but so incredibly useful as I plan my first growing of dahlias. Such well thought out questions from you... and excellent expert advice. I adore your videos.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@antoinettebeck6773]

Nice to hear about his dahlia tips. In South Africa, in the Western Cape where the sun shines for about 13 hours in the day in summer, partial shade is essential.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

We really discovered that this year with our heat wave. The dahlias were really badly affected.

[@jilldench1404]

I love dahlias and currently have 61 different varieties growing on my allotment in the south of England. A very informative video full of questions that everyone would like to ask. Your channel is super and so inspiring for beginners to the more experienced gardener. I just wish someone would produce a scented dahlia. Looking forward to more of these videos. One on roses, lupins, sweet peas and cosmos would be my choices. Thanks again 😍🇬🇧

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you- and I'm planning to do one on roses- cosmos, sweet peas etc is a great idea

[@isabellelaval7294]

Deadheading roses is such an ordeal for me! I'm always worried about doing it wrong n hurting the rose bush. I wish a very well and detailed, illustrated book existed on the subject. I too love sweet peas and cosmos. They seem to be so forgiving and easy going for a beginner like me.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I will definitely cover it, but my understanding is that you can never hurt a rose by dead heading it. Pinch off the dead flowers with your finger or snip with secateurs down to the first place where there are 5 leaves (as opposed to 3). I also dead head a row of roses with shears, just clipping along. They have always come back!

[@isabellelaval7294]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden what a relief to know I haven't traumatised the rose bushes that were already in the garden when I bought this house! Thanks a million for this SIMPLE technique for deadheading roses! Felicitations for your dahlia video at the Salutation gardens. Your questions were right on! The written script is wonderful! Merci!

[@cherylanderson3340]

@@isabellelaval7294 While not an expert on pruning, may I add that whenever you prune any type of healthy plant, cut back to an outward facing bud, where possible. This will encourage a more pleasing shape.

[@JenniferMoleski]

My husband tilled up the center of our yard, about a 40x 60 and a 30x 30, for me to play in and this first year I've already learned so much, like: more dahlias, please! He was hesitant but I've wowed him and he's happy with the decision. Besides loving your family, what's the point of life if not gardening???

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Absolutely

[@catherineperry9513]

A lovely and useful interview; super guy, and Alexandra doesn’t butt in with unnecessary comments! 👏🙏

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sarahjustesen1305]

so informative for a rather novice but enthusiatic gardner. thank you,

[@Mandy75642]

I'm still quite the newbie gardener so comprehensive advice like this is invaluable to me. I've always liked Dahlias and felt like they were too ambitious for me, but I impulsively bought one recently that I absolutely love. Hearing that they get on well with Salvias (Nemorosas are another personal favourite) is great to hear but I feel like I've rung the dinner bell for the entire local slug population 😂 Thank you for the tips - the advice will definitely be put to good use.

[@frostail5623]

Love the enthusiasm from this guy, my dahlias are growing more and more thanks to this video!

[@VancouverIslandgirl]

Wonderful information, thank you for asking all the right questions.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@greenhousefun3235]

Yes. These questions were exactly what I needed answered.

[@kerryjean2223]

Oh wow, the Dahlias I have in large pots are just budding up with a couple of blooms now and when I heard that they are martyrs to slug and snails I just had to comment. Half of my back garden slopes away and so I had just one shallow pot foot to cause drainage as well as leveling up the look of the pot I recently moved which was very closely situated near one of the Dahlia pots and I was flabbergasted to discover no less than 50 slugs under the one probably 8"" diameter pot. They mostly went into the green waste bin, some got flicked over the back fence into the reserve. Lucky Dahlias. Thanks for the info as always. Adelaide South Australia November, spring.

[@morganboyle9524]

This video was incredibly helpful! It’s structured well, easy to understand, and has lots of lovely tips for a novice gardener like me. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emifer5356]

He even gave tips about snail pellets 😂

[@andrewtracey7006]

What a fantastic and informative video! Have just bought 30 dahlia tubers to grow on my allotment and will you use the advise given here. Love it when people are so full of enthusiasm about what they grow. Brilliant!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@anneluepken5369]

Have just been gifted a huge bag of „Dahlienknollen“ by. kind neighbour here in Germany. This video is just what I need!

[@PaulBengtsson]

I had 6 tubes in the fridge over the winter. In a plastic box in potting mix and covered with some newspaper. Worked very well, they look good. First time I ever handled Dahlias.

[@MyEnglishExpert]

I love your channel. It's an absolute joy to watch. Thank you so much for teaching all of us so much about plants and gardens.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@janehenderson5391]

DAHLIA whisperer - truly impressive i am inspired

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@totallydomestic433]

What a dahlia expert! Wow, thanks for picking his brain!!! Never tried to grow them, assuming they were too difficult. They are so lovely, I am going to try, after watching this again.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think they are so worth it!

[@nailaahmadUK]

The best video for dahlias.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@traceyoneill8627]

Very interesting. I'm a novice and had been gifted dahlia bulbs and had no clue what to do. Fingers 🤞. I planted one last year but didn't know to dig them up so left it. It had rotted away but just seen new leaves are sprouting so hopefully it'll grow again

[@SaarasGarden]

Your video was very important to me .. Your video is very clear .. I watched this many times to grow the way you planted it. Thank you very much for your video.Wow beautiful garden .....🙏🌷🌷

[@cornishviewnorth8994]

Steven Edney is such an engaging speaker; I do hope you can speak to him again next year, eg some more highlights from his long border, his pick of long flowering perennials, or whatever; it's bound to be rivetting!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I very much hope we'll be talking to him again next year.

[@jennifersauer3257]

And now I must cross the pond between us and visit Salutation! This year has been inhospitable for the dahlias I planted out. Too much of every condition - wind, rain, cool temps, pests, hail, etc. But I will try again next year! Thanks for the beautiful and informative episode. 😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's definitely worth a visit - originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and now gardened to combine traditional and contemporary garden values. A real treat.

[@isabellelaval7294]

My garden in the country side near Paris, France suffered greatly too, however, my cannas are thrieving! I'm encouraged to try growing my first ever dalhias. Keep the faith! Bon courage!

[@victoriabaranik7686]

Thank you to your guest. He was fantastic! So much info for a new Dahlia newbie lover.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SummersChokeHold]

Love the passion and knowledge in this interview! Very helpful

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Alphonse0014]

This interview gets better every time I watch it. I am sure to view it 3 more times before May and I am sure I will learn more tips and helpful insights. I cannot express how greatful I am for your videos. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lizzyla7]

Loved this. Wish he'd mentioned how to stake and support dahlias

[@megan6439]

Thank you for this informative video - you asked excellent questions and he was a lovely person to listen to. He obviously knows his flowers and loves working with them.

[@thewaythingsare8158]

Excellent Ive just received a load of tubers so this is th weekend to plant them out. I remember seeing an amazing display of Dahlias at Cristopher Lloyds garden at Great Dixter. They were everywhere and they looked absolutely stupendous.

[@Sarah_L_N]

What a lovely video. Very informative and such beautiful gardens. I've never grown dahlias before, I fancy giving it a go as I'd love to be able to cut flowers for a vase over the summer.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and it is really worth trying them. Just make sure you protect from slugs and snails when they first come up until they get big enough to ensure that a few nibbles doesn't damage them.

[@Sarah_L_N]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you, I will do! I discovered the sheep's wool pellets a few years ago when slugs ate half of my sweet pea seedlings and now I use it around everything, just in case!

[@lindataylor6268]

Very helpful ..... just about to plant dahlias after overwintering for the first time! Love that he’s so eco conscious too

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dorotaazzopardi8718]

Just what I needed to watch on this cold January day❤

[@paultsworld]

Very interesting Alexandria, always helpful to hear the individual specialists.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@suepercy5237]

What a great video. So informative and easy to watch. He really knows his dahlias

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you - yes, Steven is terrifically knowledgeable about a wide range of plants.

[@kevinzhu3501]

Extraordinary interview covering every details about dahlias growing Q&A.

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

Excellent interview. You anticipated a lot of our questions. I have single petaled pink dahlias 🌸 and a burgundy & white dinnerplate dahlia quite stunning. Dahlias certainly can hold their own in any border. I like the suggestion of planting them with tropicals and grasses. Take care! 🌿

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

The Middle-Sized Garden ☺️🌸

[@plainmom2]

This video has helped me immensely and I hope the notes I took will help me as a fist time grower of Dahlias

[@saseelapathmasiri1442]

Thank you so much please give advice for middle size garden thank you so much again.🙏

[@ankasebecic9705]

Tankyou for talking about dalias I love them you explain things butiful 🇨🇦

[@kirstenjohn2009]

thanks, watching from New Jersey in the US -- very helpful and also loved how environmentally conscious he is!

[@jefrossman3858]

👋👋

[@jefrossman3858]

Hello Kirsten

[@chrysalis72]

Thanks,bought a tray of dahlias today. Thank youxx

[@barbll000]

This is fabulous information. For the first time I have bought dahlia bulbs and I will be planting them outside after 24 May (Zone 6A). Great questions and a wonderful video. Thanks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@rayandmarythomas4719]

You do a marvelous job on educating people! This was a excellent example! Learned a huge amount. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@johnnygreen1376]

Great speaker, great channel and great Dahlias!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@heatherstephens9295]

Fantastic!! What a lovely man. Thanks so much, I love your posts 🐝🐝

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@Peachy08]

Planting my first ever dahlias tomorrow. Thank you for all the great information!

[@promiladutta7914]

A must see for beginners guide to Dahlias. Thanks

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jodybriggs9012]

I am new to growing dahlias and found this to be quite informative. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@claireleung5716]

Thank you Alexanda. Perfect timing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You're so welcome!

[@lisastone2537]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I really love your interview style videos. You do such a great job asking really good questions and bringing in the right guests to interview.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@flowergrowersmith449]

Great video - very interesting and comprehensive indeed. Thanks Alexandra and Steven. Enjoyed that!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@tegoblue]

Good questions and info-packed, succinct answers. Thanks for this interview.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@dannyshark7822]

Fantastic video, I didn’t know there were so many types of dahlias.

[@k3llybird]

I just started growing these! I have red and white ones. Looking good so far!

[@robertobobby7646]

Lovely garden fascinating scenery..colourful...

[@jlcmlc40]

Excellent video, I love growing glads with my dahlias. They support one another and look beautiful together in a cut flower arrangement

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I love glads too.

[@efhwguag]

I like that idea.

[@Indy_Kullar]

What a pro!!! This is my 1st year in growing Dahlias - we get lots of rain here in Vancouver - have planted in different areas and will see how they perform - some cretins have been eating the leaves so not looking pretty at the end of June.. Wish me luck!!! Thanks for the insight and inspiration..

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I hope they turn out well, good luck!

[@carmenparedes5565]

Great information, thank you he answers all my questions I love Dahlias.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you.

[@herbytree]

Really great video and very pleasant man to listen to. Very heartening to hear his holistic approach to gardening also. It's the way it should be.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and Steven's approach is inspiring, I agree.

[@paulbedford4752]

Wonderful masrerclass

[@tomaaron6187]

A vast amount of knowledge..thanks. Really appreciate your environmental awareness.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

Great information again.

[@annerichmond4263]

Thank you so much for this delightful information video especially for dahlias! It was just what I was searching for as although I adore dahlias (my mother grew a whole garden full where we lived in Montreal - Dahlia Avenue!) I have not until now, attempted to grow them..here goes nothing and by the way, the questions were so well thought out! Cheers, Anne

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sunmoonrise]

Im starting dahlia from seed...cant wait to see it grow

[@lindsaycrook3183]

Love you passion for wildlife, so informative. As an extra tip coffee grounds keep all my dahlias, hostas and other delicious plants slug damage free

[@pennylivingston148]

1) I'm in zone 8a US. My macrophyllas are in bloom in May and the first half of June. If they need a good pruning, I always prune them no later than October. If I waited to prune in March I would have no blooms.I have made that mistake before. 😭I'm sure that it is fine to just nip the very ends in March as you explained. 2) Proven Winners emphasizes that the paniculata hydrangeas, especially the largest ones like Limelights, should not be pruned any further than 1/3 of the stem. You need to keep 2/3rds of the old woody stem to help hold up the huge blooms in wind and rain. Naturally, I made this mistake as well with my 6 paniculatas. Thank you for this video. I LOVE all of your videos.

[@coolwater55]

Great questions and topic! He gave excellent information about Dahlias!

[@suesmith6649]

Really useful and clear intructions thank you

[@mabelgoddard5813]

Wonderful interview! Lots of good tips for us Dahlias lovers! Thank you💕👏🌺

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@anitaday599]

This has come at a great time Alexandra. Just about to plant out dahlias here. Fantastic tips and advice. Thank you. Anita

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@batchrocketproject4720]

Fabulous video, thank you. Steven was a delight to listen to and could not be clearer. I hadn't come across Cannas before but will be looking into growing some.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nat-mk7gb]

This was very I formative and I like the format of the video. Strangely there was no question/advise on disease, tuber size and quality, when and ho to treat dahlias if something is treatable and when to discard a tuber if it’s not treatable. This would be most helpful if was covered in this video or hopefully will be covered in the future. Many thanks for all the information shared 👍🏻

[@benc875]

Thank you so much for this! So many videos out there with little-to-no, or completely useless information.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@stefkadank-derpjr1453]

British flower gardeners are my favorite. Love the way the pronounce this flower. Day-lee-ah

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

And I love the way US gardeners say Dah-lee-ah!

[@ireneNL9349]

⁠Yes, named after Andreas Dahl, who was Swedish. Or like Roald Dahl (author of Matilda, The Big Friendly Giant etc). I am still trying to decide whether to use Clématis or Clemátis 😂. And lets not even start on Kniphofias, named after a German Mr. Kniphof 😂 Thank you for this interview, I have been growing Dahlias for more than 10 years but you always learn something new. I was only missing information on supporting them, but his Dahlias appeared to have none. I grow in pots and raised beds and this year have tried putting them in deeper. Fingers crossed!

[@BeautifulOaks]

Great questions and bedding examples, Alexandria. I sure liked interview with the seasoned dahlia care person.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@CitiesSkyGay]

Hi Miss Alexandra. Thank you so much for this video. Not only was this video straight to the point, but quite detailed without irrelevant information that just takes up my time. Placed an order for some dahlias at my local garden centre. Can't wait to grow them!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Hope it goes well!

[@janetdickerson2518]

Excellent video. I love how you have answered all my questions about growing Dahlias. Thank you so much!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@carolinepark4033]

Visited here many times and inspired my love of dahlias. Great advice for not watering too much early on. Also re slug deterrent- I tried Everything until I used Strulch- mineralised straw mulch is amazing, but will definitely try ferrous pellets and watering them in. Now live in Cornwall- too far to visit so have 45 of my own dahlias🙂

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

And sadly the Salutation is now closed and up for sale. Strulch an excellent suggestion.

[@kalayne6713]

Very knowledgeable man and his easy going style was lovely to watch. Despite depending on tank water in rural Australia, I am going to give dahlias a go this year. The huge variety is so enticing. Thanks for posting.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I hope it works out.

[@Alphonse0014]

Wonderful, I enjoyed the entire interview and learned lots of great growing tips. Much appreciated!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@bethbennett11]

What a wonderful video. Steven is such an approachable individual and this comes across in the video. He imparts such great knowledge in a friendly and informative way. I have just started growing dahlias and he answered all my questions. Thank you so much.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jefrossman3858]

👋👋

[@jefrossman3858]

How are you Beth

[@PabloBhattacharjee]

Nice

[@katesouthall9493]

A very helpful & informative interview, I love how you could see his passion for Dahlias as he was speaking about them. I've only just this season really come across them & I didn't know there were so many varieties ! I've quite a few, in pots, but I'm hoping to expand next year.

[@anyat686]

Very good questions. Well done.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jefrossman3858]

👋👋

[@jefrossman3858]

How are you Anya

[@a.a.p1952]

Damn that was very very informative. I’ve been planting dahlias for the last few years as they remind me of my childhood and my late grandmother God Bless her soul. Let’s try and enjoy the summer solstice that is just around the corner. One Dahlia at a time. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@flowerfairy1950]

Thank you Alexandra, really enjoyed this video, Beautiful house and garden and advice. I have just planted three 'Bishop' foliage dahlias. Unfortunately too windy for the taller types but I like the singles for the pollinators.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I love the Bishops although they haven't done very well for me. I'm not sure why, perhaps I haven't chosen the right ones.

[@flowerfairy1950]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I live in hope. To be honest in general I have lost more plantings of all kinds than successes in my hostile conditions but I keep going.

[@allenbell3734]

Such good information. Your gardens in the U.K. are so beautifully different from the USA.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much 😊

[@sofiahickmore4305]

This was a very useful, interesting, and informative video. Best one I came across. Good job! I am not a novice dahlia grower but I have moved to a new garden and needed reassurance!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!