Photo: Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Bulb or tuber
Dahlia coccinea: when and how to prune
Dahlia coccinea is best pruned in June and October–November.
| Pruning months | June and October–November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Dahlia coccinea: when to prune it?
Pinch out the tips in June; cut the stems back after the first night frost, in October–November.
What else to prune in those months? June · October · November
Dahlia coccinea: how to prune it?
- In June pinch out the tip of young shoots above a pair of leaves for bushy growth.
- Cut off faded flowers above a pair of leaves or a side shoot.
- After the first frost, when the foliage is black, cut the stems to 10–15 cm above the ground.
- Then carefully lift the tubers with a fork and leave them to dry.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and October–November. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Dahlia coccinea flowers in July–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Do not cut the stems before frost has killed them back, unless you are lifting the tubers straight away: they need the foliage to build up reserves.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Dahlia coccinea · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.