Dahlias look stunning in large groups, especially if you plant large groups of different Dahlias. If you are a big fan of Dahlias, as I am, then you will probably get as many varieties of Dahlias as you can, and then plant them in a group. With that being said there are a couple of problems with planting Dahlias in groups, usually, when one of them gets sick the rest of the Dahlias are also very likely to get sick.
Dahlias can be planted in groups, although they are more prone to getting sick this way. Wilt, powdery mildew and other fungal diseases will spread extremely fast from one Dahlia to another. In addition to this, pests like slugs and snails can be extremely problematic for large groups of Dahlias. Make sure to place plastic bottles on top of the Dahlia tubers right after planting, these will protect them while sprouting from slugs and snails.
One important thing to keep in mind is that not all types of Dahlias sprout at the same time. Even the same type of Dahlias can sprout at different times, depending on the size and the health of the tubers. If you plant the Dahlias in a large group, and you do not leave enough space between them, then some of them will have difficulty getting full sun. This usually means that the Dahlias will get stunted or worse, they will get leggy.
If you are planting different varieties of Dahlias together, then make sure to leave around 2-3 feet between them. Large Dahlia tubers will sprout a lot faster than smaller tubers do, and to avoid the smaller Dahlias from becoming leggy make sure to leave some space between the tubers. If you want to plant Dahlias with roses then check out my recent article Can You Plant Dahlias With Roses? ( Top 15 Combinations ).
Can You Plant Dahlias In Groups?
Yes, planting dahlias in groups can be a visually appealing and practical approach to showcasing their beauty in the garden. Grouping dahlias together creates a stunning focal point and allows for a more impactful display of their vibrant colors and diverse forms. When planting dahlias in groups, it’s important to consider the spacing between the plants to ensure they have enough room to grow and spread. Providing adequate spacing also promotes good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases. Additionally, planting dahlias in groups allows for easier maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, and deadheading, as you can tend to multiple plants in one location.
Diseases Can Be A Problem For Dahlias Planted In Groups
Dahlias tend to be somewhat sensitive plants, they do have their fair share of diseases and oftentimes these can become fatal for the plants. Powdery mildew, wilt, and necrotic spot are just some of the more common diseases that affect Dahlias. Fungal diseases like mildew and wilt will easily jump from one plant to another especially if they are jam packed together. As soon as you see one of the Dahlias in the group showing symptoms of a disease it is extremely important to remove them from the group, so they do not spread the disease. If you are growing Dahlias in pots then check out my recent article How Often To Water Dahlias In Pots ( Top 4 Things To Consider ).
Watering Dahlias Planted In Groups Can Spread Diseases
Most fungal diseases, like powdery mildew and wilt, thrive in damp and moist environments. These diseases spread even faster if water hits the leaves of the Dahlias, and if one of the plants has a fungal issue, then it is only a matter of time until the rest of them also get it. In this case, you should be really careful how you water the Dahlias planted in a group, ideally, you should only water them from below, this way you avoid splashing the spores of the fungi from the sick Dahlias.
Pests Will Be More Problematic For Dahlias Planted In Groups
One of the most common problems of Dahlias grown in groups is that they tend to attract a lot of pests. Pests like slugs, snails, aphids, and other sap sucking insects do love to feed on the tender Dahlias. If you have only a couple of Dahlias then you will probably notice that some of their leaves will be damaged by these pests. The problem with bigger Dahlia groups is that you will actually invite more pests to your garden, as there is plenty of food to go around. There are certain plants that you should never plant with Dahlias, for more information check out my recent article What Not To Plant With Dahlias ( Top 8 Types Of Plants ).
Cover The Newly Dahlias Planted In Groups With Plastic Bottles
Most people that are new to growing Dahlias, will simply plant them and wait for them to grow. But far too often, slugs and snails will eat the sprouts, although the Dahlias will be able to sprout again after a couple of days, but sooner or later the tubers will not have enough stored nutrients in order to sprout again. In this case, make sure to cover every single Dahlia tuber that you have just planted with plastic bottles.
Once the Dahlias become too large for the plastic bottles, you can remove them but make sure to keep an eye out for pests.
You Will Have To Use Slug Pellets If You Plant Dahlias In Groups
If you live in an area where slugs and snails are fairly common and you want to grow your Dahlias in large groups then you must use slug pellets. There are a lot of home remedies to get rid of slugs and snails, and if you will try them then you will not only waste your time but risk your Dahlias being eaten alive until you find a remedy that actually works. For example, beer traps do work, but if you collect 10 snails every day, that means that there are 500 more in your garden that will have no problem eating the Dahlias.
Egg shells on the other hand only feed and provide calcium for the slugs and snails which is very important for them, with this home remedy you are actually feeding the slugs. Snails that are kept as pets are often fed eggshells due to their calcium content.
Key Takeaways
- Dahlias can be planted even in large groups but you have to keep an eye out for pests and diseases.
- You will have to protect the sprouting Dahlias, something as simple as a plastic cover or bottle will do the job.
- Make sure to fertilize the Dahlias, especially if you are growing them in a large group.
