Dahlia is one of my favorite flowers. I grow them both in my garden and pots. Yep – I always love how dahlias can light up even the tiniest corners in my home. I also like to place some potted dahlias on my patio or balcony.
And if you want to know how to grow dahlias in pots, let me show you!
Best Dahlias To Grow in Pots
Sure, you can grow any type of dahlia in pots. Those large, dinnerplate dahlias are stunning, but you will struggle with staking and caring for them much if growing in pots.
I've found that smaller or mid-sized dahlia varieties also look very gorgeous in pots, without extra fuss (I appreciate this!). And these are 3 of the prettiest dahlia varieties I've tried:
| Bishop of Canterbury | Small World | Totally Tangerine |
Bishop of Canterbury
It can reach a height of roughly 3 feet, but I often trim it back to make it bushier and shorter. This type has dark plum blossoms with a golden-black center – super striking!
I love to pair mine with some vivid yellow petunias that overflow the pot's side.
Small World
It's all in the name. This one is compact and only about one foot tall. It is packed with adorable white pompom blooms.
It’s perfect if you have a small balcony or a narrow patio ledge. It looks nice anywhere, even when I tucked a couple between my herbs.
Totally Tangerine
This variety will surprise you. The blossoms are a great mix of pink, orange, fuchsia, and purple tones. They can reach up to 3 feet tall.
However, their flowers are light, making it manageable even when growing in pots. My favorite spots for them are near the front steps so that I can admire them every time I walk by.
Tips to Choose the Right Pots (or Containers)
When planting dahlias in pots, picking the right containers is very important. Those chunky tubers need space to stretch out and thrive.
Select Wide Pots
Yes, always pick wider pots or containers than deep. This is because dahlia tubers will grow outward, not underneath. A pot with 18 inches in depth will be ideal.
But if you only have a tall container, don't worry. I used to add some rocks at the bottom to take up space, and it went okay.
Materials
Honestly, anything will go. Plastic, terra cotta, ceramic – just take any pots you have (I often search for stylish old glazed ceramic planters at a yard sale).
One thing to keep in mind is that yours must have drainage holes – that's non-negotiable. Soogy feet will rot the dahlia tubers.
Small tip from a plant lover: Use soap to clean your old pots before reusing them. This will prevent any diseases from last plants.
| Pro Tip: If you like to move your pots around (just like I do), place them on casters. Life will be much easier when you want to take your plants out for some sun or shelter in your porch. |
Best Medium for Growing Dahlias
Those beautiful dahlias hate sitting in soggy soil. So, I always look for well-draining soil – no heavy or sticky garden soil, okay?
But luckily, we have a lot of soil options at the garden store these days. Let me see – I love to mix the soil with things like perlite, coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or composted plant matter.
Anything that can keep the soil airy and light while holding enough moisture will go well.
How to Grow Dahlias in Pots from Seeds
I’ve grown dahlias from both tubers and seeds, and honestly, starting from seed is quite fun. Here’s how I usually do it:
- Start indoors about 12 weeks before your last expected frost date. If you want to grow dahlias outside, wait until the last frost has passed.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in your chosen potting mix.
| Pro Tip: I prefer to sow the seeds toward the container's boundaries. A friend of mine who grows dahlias said that roots hitting the side of the pot triggers faster tuber formation — and it works! |
- Mist dahlia seeds with a spray bottle, not with a watering can. The dahlia seeds are very small; they can be washed away if you water them too hard.
- For growing indoors, I place them under grow lights for about 8 hours/ day.
- For outdoors, I make sure to give my plants at least 8 hours of sun.
And keep patient! Those little seeds need quite some time to pop up.
How to Grow Dahlias from Tubers
Growing dahlias from tubers is like opening a mystery box. You never know how those blooms will turn out. Follow my instructions below:
- Add soil into your pots and leave about 6 inches from the top.
- Lay the dahlia tuber horizontally, around 4 inches deep in the soil
- Cover the tuber with a thin layer of soil, but avoid pressing it too tightly.
- I always let the soil dry out to the bottom of the dahlia tuber between waterings. This will prevent dahlias from rotting.
- Add a few more inches of soil after a stem appears.
- When the stem reaches above the pot's rim, fill the rest of the pot with soil.
Dahlias Maintenance
You need to give your dahlias a little care to keep them happy in pots. Here’s what I always do with mine:
- Use support for taller dahlia varieties. Taller dahlias require a little assistance, while shorter ones can be fine on their own. I personally like flower support rings in pots — they look neat and do the job.
When the plants are between 6 – 8 inches to 1 foot tall, pinch them back. I usually trim the growing tip right above a flower bud. This will encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
- In super hot summer days, I move my pots to a more shaded area. Your dahlias will appreciate it, I promise.
- Keep an eye out for spider mites and aphids. Potted dahlias seem to attract them more than those in the ground.
I inspect mine every few days. If I see any issues, I give them a light water blast.
Summary
And that's the end of my guide on “How to grow dahlias in pots”. With the right pot, good soil, and a little attention, you will see those bold, cheerful blooms soon.
I promise, once you see those first flowers open, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
