NOVEMBER in the Dahlia Patch

November is a beautiful time in the Southern Highlands, and for dahlia enthusiasts in our cool climate, it’s a month of action and anticipation. With the warming soil and longer days, your dahlia patch is ready for attention to ensure a stunning summer display.

If you haven’t already planted your dahlia tubers, now is the time to get them into the ground. Dahlias thrive in sunny spots with well-draining soil, so choose your location carefully. Plant the tubers about 10–15 cm deep, spacing them 30–50 cm apart to give each plant room to grow. Remember to place the growth eye facing up for the best start.

As your dahlias settle in, consider adding a light layer of mulch around the patch. Mulch helps retain moisture, keeps the soil temperature stable, and suppresses pesky weeds, but be cautious not to cover the tuber directly to avoid rot. If you’re planting taller varieties, now is also the perfect time to install stakes or supports. Doing this early will save you the hassle of disturbing the tubers later, and soft ties will keep the growing stems secure.

Watering is critical as dahlias establish themselves. While they appreciate consistent moisture, soggy soil can lead to rot, so aim for deep watering every 3–4 days, adjusting based on rainfall. Once the shoots emerge, start feeding your dahlias with a low-nitrogen, balanced fertiliser. This ensures healthy plants and promotes blooms over excessive foliage growth.

Keeping your dahlia patch weed-free is essential for their success. Regularly hand-pull weeds to avoid competition for nutrients and water. Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, slugs, and snails, and act quickly if you spot any. Eco-friendly deterrents or early morning handpicking can help you stay on top of these garden nuisances. Watch for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and make sure your plants have plenty of airflow by avoiding overcrowding.

For bushier growth and more blooms, pinch out the growing tips when the plants reach about 30 cm tall. Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip just above a set of leaves. This simple step will encourage side shoots and set the stage for a more dramatic display.

By taking these steps, you’re laying the groundwork for a dahlia patch that will reward you with vibrant blooms in mid-summer and beyond. November is about nurturing and preparing your dahlias, so get out in the garden, enjoy the spring weather, and look forward to the colourful show that’s just a few months away!