“To know a Dahlia is to love a Dahlia.” And once you grow one, it’s like all your other flowers just kind of fade into the background. There’s just something about them. One of my most favorite flowers I have ever grown is a Dahlia called Kogane Fubuki. It was this magical pink and yellow ombre bloom that literally stopped me in my tracks every time I stepped onto my patio.

And I want you to have those magical Dahlia moments too! So I brought on Anne from The Dahlia House to walk us through every step of Dahlia care. Her story is as gorgeous as her blooms, and she generously spilled all her tips to help us get the most out of our Dahlias this year.

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:36] Meet Anne from the Dahlia House
• [03:07] How did Anne become the Dahlia lady?
• [06:05] Anne’s current dahlia collection and other plants
• [08:44] Why are dahlias popular?
• [11:43] What are some tips for growing dahlias successfully?
• [15:05] Show your parents you care this Mother's Day or Father's Day with a soothing Wind River Chime!
• [16:53] What are ways to start dahlias indoors?
• [20:16] How should dahlias be planted with regard to their "eyes"?
• [21:50] How can you get your dahlias to bloom a lot?
• [26:32] Tips for cutting off dahlias and extending vase life
• [28:23] What are the light and water requirements for dahlias?
• [30:26] Container growing and spacing
• [32:17] How to choose the right dahlia variety for you
• [36:02] What are some common mistakes that new Dahlia growers make?
• [36:55] How to fertilize your dahlia
• [38:32] Anne’s favorite Dahlia varieties and trends
• [39:57] Where can you find Anne and The Dahlia House?
• [40:56] Recommended flowers to grow in Jupiter, Florida

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Monterey Sluggo® Plus
• Kristine Albrecht - Dahlias (@santacruzdahlias)
• CalMag Pro Hydroponic and Soil Nutrient Fertilizer for Plants Calcium and Magnesium Booster
• The Dahlia House’s collections

What part of the Dahlia growing process has you the most excited?

Check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Wind River Chimes

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)</