How to prune dahlias? Pruning time and method

When to prune dahlias

Before officially entering autumn, pruning dahlias is very important. It directly affects whether they can grow and bloom in the future. Only by cutting off unnecessary branches can new leaves and branches be grown, and beautiful flowers will eventually bloom.

How to prune dahlias

Combing the branches: In addition to properly pruning off the overly dense branches, you should also pay attention to careful observation. If there are dead and diseased branches, it is best to prune them together. The pruned branches can also promote the sprouting of new branches later.

Pruning leaves: If dahlia leaves turn yellow, they can be restored through careful care. In serious cases, they can only be pruned off. If there are diseases or pests that cause spots on the leaves, the diseased parts should be pruned off immediately, and then sprayed with insecticide to avoid affecting the normal leaves.

Flower repair: After the flowering period is over, the remaining flowers can be cut off in time. This can not only save nutrients but also allow new flowers to grow and bloom faster.

Tips for pruning dahlias

Single-stem pruning: Keep the top bud, and keep one or two side buds below the top bud. Keep these two side buds to prevent the top bud from failing to bloom, so that the side buds can be replaced in time. Then remove all the other side buds growing on the main trunk.

Multiple pruning: Generally, when the plant grows to about 20 cm, it is timely to pinch the top to promote the growth of side buds, retain the largest side bud, and remove all other weak side buds, leaving one flower bud on the side bud. The number of side branches to be retained for each dahlia depends on the variety of dahlia. Generally, 5 branches are retained for large-flowered varieties, and about 9 branches can be retained for small-flowered varieties. After the side branches have bloomed, the base of the side branches should be cut off to facilitate flowering again.

Tips for pruning dahlias

When the dahlias fade, cut off all useless branches and leaves and wipe off the young buds on the top, leaving only three. This can effectively prevent the dahlias from consuming nutrients and encourage it to bloom beautiful flowers. Otherwise, it will lack nutrients and find it difficult to bloom.