Dahlia Planting and Care

Dahlia Planting & Care Guide – Reno, NV Edition

 

WHEN TO PLANT
Plant after the last frost—typically mid-to-late May in Reno. Make sure your soil is 55–60°F. Watch the forecast and avoid planting just before a heavy storm.

 

LOCATION
Choose a sunny, well-draining spot that gets 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Dahlias love rich, loose soil—amend with compost and a balanced fertilizer (like 5-5-5 or 10-10-10).

 

HOW TO PLANT
Dig a hole 4–6 inches deep. Lay the tuber horizontally with the eye or sprout facing up. Cover with loose soil. Water lightly at planting—just enough to settle the soil around the tuber. Reno’s dry climate means this light watering helps prevent desiccation. Space tubers 12–18 inches apart.

 

WATERING
Water lightly once a week until sprouts are 3–4" tall. Once leaves are established, increase watering to deeply 1–2 times per week, depending on weather. Avoid overhead watering to reduce mildew risk.

 

PINCHING & SUPPORT
When plants reach 8–12", pinch out the top set of leaves above the 3rd or 4th node to encourage bushy, strong plants and more blooms. Support plants with stakes, netting, or cages. Wind is frequent in Reno—staking early helps prevent damage.

 

PESTS TO WATCH FOR
Common pests in Reno include spider mites, aphids, leafhoppers, and thrips. Use organic insecticidal soap or beneficial insects like lacewings or minute pirate bugs. Regularly inspect new growth.

 

HARVEST / DEADHEADING
Expect blooms 60–100 days after planting, depending on variety.  Harvest in the cool morning for the longest vase life. Cut spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. The more you cut, the more they bloom!

 

FALL CARE
After frost blackens the foliage, cut stems down to 4–6". Wait several days, then dig tubers, dry them, and store in peat moss or vermiculite in a cool (40-50 degrees/75-90% humidity), dark location until next spring.