Dahlias are one of those flowers I can never resist buying, even though I have struggled to make them happy in the past.

It’s not that they’re an overly fussy plant, but I do sometimes miss a watering and feeding here or there, and Dahlias are not the most forgiving of inconsistent care. Plus, Indiana’s hot and humid summers aren’t their ideal climate. But even knowing all this, I still cannot resist their big gorgeous flowers.

So, over the years, I have figured out a few things that help keep Dahlias happy.

How to Plant Dahlias in Containers

The nice thing about growing Dahlias in containers is greater control over soil quality, light, water, and nutrients. Plus it helps keep foliage safe from hungry slugs.

Place your container in a spot that gets eight or more hours of direct sun. Some afternoon shade is helpful in areas with hot summers.

When planting your Dahlia, use fresh quality potting soil in a medium to large pot that has at least one drainage hole. For best results, mix in a handful of bone meal before planting to increase the Phosphorous content of the soil. Dahlia tubers should be planted at least two inches deep, with the eye pointing up and covered with soil. Tubers will rot if the soil is too wet, so barely water them when planted and then increase water once growth appears. If you’re dealing with a Dahlia that will grow larger than 12 inches tall, insert a stake directly next to the roots at planting to support later blooms.

Maintaining Dahlias

Fertilizing: Once Dahlia plants have established themselves for a few weeks, start fertilizing them with a low nitrogen fertilizer like 5-10-10 every two weeks until fall, or use a water-soluble fertilizer labeled for annual flowers.

Deadheading: Deadhead Dahlias often to promote new blooms. If starting from tubers, pinch back plants when they reach four to six inches tall to promote bushier plants with more blooms. If you want larger blooms, gently remove the smaller flower buds that appear next to or just below the large central bud.

Watering: Consistent moisture is important for happy flowers, so check the soil daily to make sure it’s nice and damp. Do not water Dahlias if the soil is already moist, because Dahlia tubers will begin to decay in soil that is too soggy.

Storing Dahlia Tubers

Follow these steps to save Dahlia tubers for planting next year:

1. After the first frost, dig out the tubers.
2. Cut off all but a couple of inches of remaining foliage.
3. Clean soil from the tubers and dry them.
4. Wrap the tubers in a loose, fluffy packing material and store in a cool, dark place until next spring.

Okay, so maybe they require a bit more care than some other flowers, but the blooms are well worth it.