Reasons for Staking Dahlia Plants
Dahlia growers are familiar with the signs. Muddy blooms pasted to the earth and bedraggled flowers with bent, broken stems. Dahlias are prolific producers after a few years. These tuberous plants have slender, erect stems which are not always capable of supporting the larger blooms. Staking dahlia plants is important during the season to keep the leafy stems rising to the sun and prevent damage to the flowers. Here are a few great tried and true methods on how to keep dahlias from falling over. Dahlia support is a crucial step in protecting these massive plants and their vigorous flowers. Some of the easiest and most economical dahlia staking ideas come from novice attempts to erect some sort of structure of support.
One of my dahlias grows through an old wire garden chair that lost its seat. The chair goes in place just as the tubers start to sprout and over time the bush pushes through the wires, effectively holding the stems upright. Another common method is to use stout wooden stakes and twine to tie the stems erect. Stakes should be at least 6 feet (2 m.) tall and driven into the ground until firm.
Best Ways to Stake Dahlias
Every gardener has their own ideas of the best ways to stake dahlias. Purchased forms or even pruned sticks in the shape of a “y” remove the need for most tying. These allow the plant to rest its stem naturally in the “y” and support it gently. You may also choose to purchase a wire dahlia support which is laid over stakes and has a grid-like frame that stems grow through. A chicken wire cage or even a tomato cage is also useful to keep the slender stems upright. Over time the foliage of the dahlia will cover up the unsightly cage and gives all-over support.
How to Keep Dahlias from Falling Over
One of the biggest tips from experts is to consider dahlia support at the time you plant the tubers. Have a plan in place before you ever see sprouts. If you are using stakes or rebar, plant the tubers so each eye is right next to previously placed stakes. The eye will create the first sprout, which will be situated next to the stake for easy training. Another option is to plant many tubers within a small space and then stake around the area. As the tubers sprout, you can run a line of twine around the entire patch, essentially corralling all the interior greenery and allowing the mass to self-support in the center. It is important to divide your tubers every three years. This will force larger, sturdier plants and prevent splayed, flopping specimens.
