Looking for information about how to water your dahlias? We can help! Keep reading to find out all about how to successfully water your dahlias.
Water Carefully Before Dahlias Start Sprouting
Did you know that dahlia tubers themselves do not really absorb water the way their feeder roots do? This is why newly planted tubers need a careful balance. They should be planted into soil that is already lightly moist, but they should not sit in wet, soggy soil before they have started growing.
Once your dahlia sends up a green shoot, that is a good sign that it has also started producing feeder roots and is ready for more regular watering. Before that point, the goal is not to keep watering heavily. The goal is simply to make sure the soil is slightly moist (not bone dry!) and not waterlogged.
What if it rains before my dahlia tubers start sprouting?
Don’t worry. As long as your soil drains well, and there isn’t any standing water in your garden, a little spring rain is usually not a problem. The main concern is tubers sitting for a long time in cold, wet soil that does not drain.
How to Water Dahlias After They’ve Sprouted
We use irrigation lines to water our dahlias deeply 2 to 3 times a week, depending on the weather. By watering them deeply a few times a week, we’re encouraging them to grow deep supportive roots instead of shallow roots. Dahlias don’t like to sit in water though, so be careful not to water too much. The amount of water and how often you need to water will vary with your climate and the type of soil you have. The best way to monitor your dahlias’ water needs and health is to be out in your garden every day observing your plants. If your plants are droopy, increase the amount or frequency of watering. If you see standing water, back off on the amount of water.
Drip Irrigation vs Overhead Watering
Since we’re growing on a large scale, we use a drip irrigation system. This allows us to water right at the roots and not waste water to evaporation. You can successfully water dahlias with a sprinkler if you’re growing at home in a garden, but you’ll want to water in the morning before the heat of the day. Overhead watering can cause issues with powdery mildew, but it also helps to keep spider mites away, so as with most things, there are pros and cons!
Note: Did you know dahlias can absorb some water through their foliage? It’s a cool feature of these amazing plants.
However you choose to irrigate your dahlias, the primary thing to remember is that your dahlias need regular, consistent water to keep blooming all the way until frost.
