What is the best fertilizer for Dahlias once the plant is grown?
Question:The plants are ready to flower, however, I do not fertilize. I have read and heard mixed opinions about what to use. I would like to maximize the flower size, color and stem strength. Thanks
Answers:
Dahlias tend to have shallow roots so be careful when cultivating. About the end of June, mulch plants with well-aged compost, aged manure, peat, or straw. Water plants regularly if rain is insufficient but avoid wetting the foliage. Dahlias require a rich soil; a commercial fertilizer low in nitrogen, such as a 5-20-20, worked into the soil a month before planting is good preparation. As plants grow, a monthly feeding will encourage large blooms. If using a granular fertilizer, water it in thoroughly after application. Do not fertilize dahlias after mid-August.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/12...
We have tons and tons of Dahlias every year. The only thing we do is mix peat moss into the soil to make it easy to weed and then leave them alone. We have dahlias all over the place. We usually have to tie them up when they get to tall and heavy, but other than that, nothing much is needed except water and sunshine.
You could either use Tomato or rose fertilizer but as it is so late and you will require instant results it should be in the form of liquid feed. next year prepare the site for the Dahlias with a long slow release fertilizer mixed with good compost. An excellent slow release fertilizer and good soil conditioner is of course well rotted farm yard manure.
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