A Guide to Caring for Your Dahlia Plants in Autumn: Tips from Green Fingers Fertiliser

Dahlia plants are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their striking blooms and lush foliage. As Autumn approaches, it's important to take care of your Dahlia plants to ensure their health and growth in the upcoming Spring. In this guide, Green Fingers Fertiliser provides tips on how to care for your Dahlia plants in Autumn.

Preparing Dahlia Plants for Autumn

Clear any debris around the base of the plants and add a layer of mulch around the base. Debris around the base of plants can often result in increased disease and increases the risk of tuber rot. A good layer of mulch will also help insulate the plants and protect them from the cold.

Watering Dahlia Plants in Autumn

While it may seem counterintuitive, it's important to continue watering your Dahlia plants in Autumn. If the plants don't receive enough water, they may become stressed and may not survive the winter. However, be careful not to over-water your plants, as this can lead to root rot. Water your Dahlia plants once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Soil Care for Dahlia Plants in Autumn

Dahlia plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Test your soil pH and adjust as needed. If your soil is too acidic, add lime. If it's too alkaline, add sulfur. Additionally, adding fertiliser to the soil in Autumn can help prepare your Dahlia tubers for winter dormancy. Use a granular fertiliser that is high in phosphorus to promote root growth. The best dahlia fertiliser for this time of the year is a foliar fertiliser like Green Fingers Dahlia Fertiliser. Foliar fertilisers are the best type of fertiliser during wet periods as it is directly provided to the plant as needed which prevents leaching and overfertilisation.

Protecting Dahlia Plants in Autumn

Dahlia plants are susceptible to pests and diseases, especially in Autumn. To prevent damage to your plants, use organic methods to control pests and diseases. You can use insecticidal soap to control pests like aphids and passion vine hoppers, and neem oil to prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew which can always be a problem during these wetter months.

Storing Dahlia Tubers for Winter

In colder climates, it's important to store Dahlia tubers for the winter. To do this, wait until the first frost has killed the foliage of the plants. Then, dig up the tubers and brush off any excess soil. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or basement. Look out for our next Dahlia blog post which will describe the art of dividing your tubers. Those living in warmer dryer climates that don't experience hard frosts are simply able to leave their tubers within the ground.

Caring for your Dahlia plants in Autumn is an important part of ensuring their health and growth in the Spring. By following the tips provided by Green Fingers Fertiliser, you can prepare your plants for the winter and ensure their longevity. Remember to cut back the stems, add mulch, and continue watering your plants. Test your soil pH and adjust as needed, and use organic methods to prevent damage from pests and diseases. Finally, store your Dahlia tubers in a cool, dry place for the winter. With proper care, your Dahlia plants will flourish year after year. Look out for our next Dahlia post which will describe the art of dividing your tubers!