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
Categories
Upcoming
Events & Webinars
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 21 & 28, 2026
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
More information
March 24, 2026
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater
Community Program
Racine, WI
More information
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
April 9, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
April 11, 2026
A Day in the Garden
Fond du Lac, WI
Register here
April 18, 2026
3rd Annual Spring Rally
Oshkosh, WI
Register here
April 19, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
April 23, 2026
Iowa State University
More information
April 25, 2026
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL
April 26, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 2, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
May 9, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 10, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 16, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 17, 2026
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 21, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Planting & Care of Your Rain Garden
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Tree Planting and Care
Register here
Sept. 12, 2026
Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Milwaukee, WI
Register here
Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More
Book an Appearance
Sign up for Melinda's free e-newsletter for a chance to win a Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide!
ENTER NOW
