Photo: Denis Conrado, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Garden dahlia: when and how to prune
Dahlia pinnata
Garden dahlia is best pruned in June–November.
| Pruning months | June–November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Garden dahlia: when to prune it?
Pinch out in June, deadhead from July to October, and cut back after the first frost in October–November.
What else to prune in those months? June · July · August · September · October · November
Garden dahlia: how to prune it?
- In June, pinch or cut out the tip above the third or fourth pair of leaves.
- Cut off faded flowers just above a pair of leaves, with a long stem.
- Cut flowers for the vase in the morning, with long stems: more side shoots will then develop.
- After the first night frost, when the leaves have blackened, cut all stems back to 10–15 cm and lift the tubers.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–November.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Water can collect in the hollow stem stumps and make the tuber rot. After lifting, first let the tubers dry upside down for a few days.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Garden dahlia · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.