FLOWER CARE
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Choose a clean vase: Wash the vase thoroughly with warm soapy water to remove any bacteria or residue.
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Clean water: Use fresh, room temperature water. Change the water every 1-2 days and keep the vase full.
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Remove lower leaves: Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth and cloudy water.
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Re-trim the stems: Cut the stems diagonally with sharp scissors every 2-3 days to allow better water absorption.
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Keep flowers cool: Place in a cool location away from direct sunlight, heat, and ripening fruits, which produce ethylene gas which will shorten the life of your flowers.
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Remove wilting flowers: Remove any wilting or dying flowers to keep the remaining flowers looking fresh.
HOW TO GROW DAHLIAS
Dahlia tubers should be stored in an environment where they won't freeze, between 5-10 degrees celsius. They are best stored in vermiculite, peat moss or pine shavings. In colder climates they need to be dug up in the fall and stored over the winter.
You can plant your dahlia tubers (or rooted cuttings) once your soil has warmed and it is after your last frost. Pick a sunny spot with well draining soil that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun per day. If planting in a container, make sure it is at least 15" wide to allow room for tuber production.
Plant your tubers 4-6" deep, on their side, with the eye facing up. Space dahlia tubers 12-18" apart.
Pinch your dahlias when they are 12-18" tall. Cut the centre shoot just above the third or fourth set of leaves. This encourages branching and promotes longer stems with more flowers! This only needs to be done once per last.
No watering is required until first set of true leaves appear. From this point, water deeply 2-3 times per week. Dahlias can benefit from a low nitrogen fertilizer and/or a regular foliar feed. Cut flowers regularly to promote more blooms. Support as needed with a cage, netting, or corralling.