
Cultivate Locally-Grown Dahlia with Ease
Dahlia December
If you have already secured your trusty dahlia tubers, you will be pleased to know that December is still a perfect time to plant these stunning summer beauties. Dahlias are the stars of the summer garden, gracing your space with vibrant blooms from late summer through autumn—and sometimes even into early winter.
These versatile bulbs thrive in both containers and garden beds, and the best part? They will return year after year with just a speck of care and attention.
Hadeco dahlias are proudly cultivated in the picturesque Magaliesberg region of Gauteng, South Africa, ensuring top-notch quality and performance. Get ready to fill your summer garden with the brilliance of dahlias. Let us help you grow these extraordinary blooms with confidence!
Can you grow dahlias in South Africa?
Dahlias originate from the vibrant land of tequila and tacos—México! Yet, growing them in sunny South Africa is as effortless as a summer breeze.
What is the best month to plant dahlias?
Just make sure to plant them anytime from October through to December. Curious to learn more about these stunning blooms? Keep reading and learn how to Cultivate Locally-Grown Dahlia with Ease!

Where does dahlia grow best?
Planting these beauties is as easy as finding a sunny spot and giving them a decent home. Aim for full sun – they love the spotlight – but they won’t complain about a little midday shade. It is like their way of saying, "We don’t mind a quick siesta."
Do dahlias grow better in pots or the ground?
They are perfect for stealing the show in a mixed perennial border, or if space is tighter than your jeans after Sunday roast, they are a match made in heaven for containers. Just make sure the pot is roomy enough for their ambitions. The bee-friendly top mix variety is fine with a studio flat, but the decorative and terrace varieties? They’re more into penthouse suites. The container will need a depth of at least 30cm.
Now, let’s talk soil – think of it as their welcome mat. Add some compost and loosen it up to about 30cm deep. If you are planting them in containers, skip the graft and go straight for good-quality potting soil. They will thank you by blooming their hearts out.
Planting
Rule number one: resist the urge to play surgeon with your dahlia tuber. Keep it whole and intact – this isn’t the time for splitting hairs (or tubers). Pop it into the soil at a depth of about 5cm (yep, that’s 5cm of soil on top), and give them some elbow room – anywhere between 15cm to 40cm apart, depending on their size.
Remember to mulch! Think of it as tucking them into bed with a cosy, nutrient-rich duvet, that keeps them hydrated and well-nourished.

How do I get more flowers on my dahlias?
Pinching involves removing the tip of the main (central) stem to encourage lateral growth, resulting in more branches and ultimately more flowers.
Top tips for growing and caring for dahlia
Start by choosing your dahlia variety like you’re picking from a dessert menu – top mix, pompon, dinner plate, decorative, terrace, cactus... so many options, each ready to serve up a different slice of beauty in your garden. Go on, treat yourself!
If your dahlias are in containers, water them deeply every two to three days, until water happily gushes out of the bottom (a sure sign they are well-hydrated). Garden-planted ones prefer a sip every three to four days. Always aim for a morning splash session – it allows the leaves to dry off and keeps that pesky powdery mildew at bay. For those wanting to pamper their dahlias, consider using the Mini Garden Kit – it’s like a VIP spa treatment for their roots.
Feed them monthly with something like Hadeco Bulb Food or similar – they are hungry little bloomers and love a good meal!
When they are showing off their full floral glory, grab the secateurs and get pruning. Not only does it give you gorgeous blooms to enjoy indoors or share with friends, but it also encourages them to keep the show going. Think of it as giving them a little motivational haircut.
After flowering, switch to feeding every second week until they head into dormancy. Around May, you will notice the leaves starting to yellow and die back – that is your signal to let them take their well-earned winter nap.
Further care
Keep an eye out for powdery mildew, though. It’s the party crasher that shows up when there’s not enough sunlight or airflow. Regular pruning helps keep it away, but if it sneaks in, don’t panic! Just whip up a DIY remedy with two parts water and one part milk and give your leaves a gentle spritz.
If the mildew decides to go full diva and take over, it might be time to call in the pros. Swing by your local garden centre or nursery for a stronger fix.
Once your stunning dahlias have entered their period of dormancy, you can leave them in the ground over winter. When the weather warms, they will spring back to life. During the winter months, you can even plant winter bulbs over them for added seasonal interest.
Over time, your dahlia bulbs will naturally multiply. You can lift and divide the clumps of tubers once their eyes are visible.
If you prefer to lift the bulbs to either plant something else in their place or relocate them for the next season, carefully dust them off after lifting. Store them in a well-ventilated crate or a cardboard box with ventilation holes and keep the bulbs in a cool, dark, and dry spot until planting. This is anytime between October to December.
There you have it, fellow gardeners. Your go-to-guide on how to Cultivate Locally-Grown Dahlia With Ease.
Happy summer!
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