Disbudding Dahlias
Trying to grow those dinner plate size dahlia blooms? Selection and disbudding will help you achieve your goal.
Select one of the dinnerplate dahlias like Who Dun it Dinnerplate Dahlia. This 2013 Dahlia of the Year is hardy in zones 3 to 10. Those gardening in zones 7 and colder will need to store the tuberous roots indoors for winter. These 3- to 5-feet-tall plants are loaded with flowers that transform from lilac to mauve to lavender-blue and then finish with a display of white petals.
Increase the size of these and any dahlias with a bit of disbudding. Remove side buds if you are looking for one large, knock your socks off, bloom per stem. Disbudding reduces the number of flowers, but increases their individual size.
Going for quantity? Then leave all the buds intact. You will have a lot more flowers, but they will be much smaller. Both methods create a colorful display.
A bit more information: Tall dahlias and those with large flowers need staking. Put the stake in place at planting to avoid damaging the underground tuberous root. Make sure it is anchored securely in the ground. Tie lengthening stems to the stake with a soft cloth.
Related
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Jan. 28, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Past, Present & Future of Mitchell Park and its Conservatory, the Domes
Register here
Feb. 13 - 15, 2026
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Green Living EXPO
Madison, WI
More information
Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here
Feb. 25, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Flowering Houseplants
Register here
Mar. 5, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Start New Plants from Seeds, Cuttings and More
Register here
Mar. 11, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Save Money & Boost Your Growing Success with Bare Root Plants
Register here
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More


