In order to ensure the nutrient supply of the dahlia, you should fertilize it regularly. However, not every fertilizer is suitable for georgines. Which fertilizers you use and what you should consider when fertilizing dahlias.

Some compost or horn shavings are sufficient as fertilizer for the dahlias

Provide nutrients before planting

Lay the best foundation for richly flowering dahlias before planting. Amend the soil at the site with mature compost. Then you do not need to give any more fertilizer in the weeks that follow.

Renowned gardening experts recommend putting a teaspoon of horn shavings (€32.93) in each planting hole. This gives georgines the best starting conditions for healthy growth and rich flowering.

For potted dahlias, use good, nutritious garden soil to provide the flowers with nutrients. Occasional fertilization with organic flower fertilizer (€1.95) ensures that the plants thrive.

Which fertilizer is suitable for dahlias?

Preferably use organic fertilizers to provide nutrients to georgines. The best are:

  • cattle manure
  • pigeon dung
  • mature compost
  • horn shavings

It is better to avoid artificial fertilizers altogether, because they contain too much nitrogen. As a result, the dahlia sprout strongly, but develops only very thin shoots. The plants hardly set any flowers and there is a risk that the few buds will turn brown and rot.

Pot-grown dahlias do well with commercial bulb fertilizer. Feed fertilizer according to directions, but when in doubt, use less than too much.

From August, dahlias are no longer fertilized

From the end of August you should generally no longer fertilize your dahlias. There is then a risk that the tubers will be over-fertilized.

Over-fertilized dahlia tubers do not survive the winter break in the cellar or pot, but start to rot.

Fertilize with Thomas-Kali in spring

Many gardeners swear by applying Thomas potash to the garden in the spring before planting the dahlias to improve overall soil health. The dahlias then develop particularly strong stems and bloom more persistently.

tips and tricks

If you choose to fertilize your dahlia with horse manure, you must ensure that this manure is well stored. Horse manure contains too much ammonia, which heats up the manure and damages the tubers.

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Vegetable garden