Dahlias produce showy, vibrant flowers in late summer and fall. But without proper cutting back, your dahlia plants can become leggy and bloom less Learning the right way to cut back dahlias will keep plants full, bushy, and flowering nonstop
Why Cutting Back is Key
Cutting back dahlia stems at the right times redirects the plant’s energy into more robust growth and flowering. Here’s how it helps:
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Encourages bushy growth from the base instead of tall, leggy stems.
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Triggers more lateral branching which equals more flowers.
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Removes spent blooms so new buds continually form,
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Keeps the plant compact enough to support prolific blooms.
When to Cut Back Dahlias
Time your cuts carefully to avoid accidentally removing next season’s flower buds:
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Spring – When new shoots are 16-18 inches tall, pinch out the center growing tip. This spurs bushy branching below.
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Summer – Deadhead spent blooms back to a leaf node to prolong flowering.
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Fall – Leave most of the plant intact until frost kills it back naturally.
Helpful Tools to Have
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Sharp bypass pruners sterilized before each use.
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Gardening gloves to protect hands from prickly stems.
How to Cut Back Step-By-Step
Follow these tips for maximizing flowers through proper cutting back:
Spring Pinching
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Wait until shoots are 16-18 inches tall with 4+ leaf nodes.
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Locate the main central stem and pinch off the tip just above the top leaf node.
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Pinching off this tiny tip triggers exponential growth below it.
Summer Deadheading
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Check plants daily for spent blooms.
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Use pruners to snip off each dead bloom just above a leaf node.
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Make cuts at an angle to avoid trapping moisture.
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Deadhead frequently to prolong blooming into fall.
Fall Cleanup
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Leave most of the plant intact through the first light frost.
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Once fully killed by hard frost, cut the entire plant back to about 6 inches above the ground.
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The remaining stem stubble anchors the tubers over winter.
Remove Excess Stems
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Thin congested areas and crisscrossing stems regularly.
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Leave just 3-5 robust, evenly spaced stems per plant.
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Eliminating excess growth keeps plants fuller and blooming freely.
Post-Cutting Care
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Water well after major cuts to aid recovery.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer to fuel growth of new stems.
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Stake tall varieties to support them as they regrow after cutting back.
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Monitor for pests or diseases drawn to fresh wounds.
Learning proper dahlia cutting techniques – when to pinch, deadhead, or cut back entirely – results in bushier, healthier plants blanketed in colorful blooms. Just be sure to time cuts carefully around each phase of growth. With a little practice, you’ll easily master the art of cutting back dahlias.
StepsMethod
- Q: Can bulbs be left in the ground all winter in middle England?
Answer from Idabelle: Dahlia bulbs can be left in the ground when the winter is mild. However, it isnt very hard to bring them indoors.
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When pruning dahlias, cut off the tips above the fourth set of leaves when the plant is about 16 inches tall. This will make it bushier and produce more flowers. Leave three to five flowers on each dahlia plant for big blooms. If you don’t care about the size of the blooms, you can leave up to ten flowers on each plant. Once the flowers fade, snip off the dead heads with a sharp garden tool. To learn how to properly dig up dahlia bulbs, read on!.
Cutting back Dahlias early for BIGGER blooms
FAQ
When should dahlias be cut back?
How far down do you deadhead dahlias?
Do I need to prune my dahlias?
The dahlia is a popular garden plant prized for its beautiful blooms. If you prune your dahlias correctly, you can enjoy these showy flowers from the middle of summer through the first frost of the year. In addition, you may need to prune your dahlias to remove pests or diseases. Luckily, caring for your dahlias is easy when you know how!
Should you cut back a dahlia plant?
Dahlias are a fast-growing plant. The practice of cutting back won’t hinder the growth or progress of your plant. Culling buds and deadheading are equally important practices. They encourage new flowering and rejuvenate the plant. Proper pruning keeps the plant directing its resources where they need to go.
How do you prune a dahlia tree?
Depending on the goal, you can prune Dahlias in different ways. Let’s go through them! Trim Early for More Flowers: When your dahlias hit about 16 inches tall, pinch off the tip above the fourth set of leaves. This simple move encourages more branches and, in turn, more blooms. Keep at it all season for a floral extravaganza!
Do dahlias bloom more if you cut them?
Yes, dahlias bloom more if you cut them! Snip off open or nearly open flowers just above a set of leaf nodes and side buds to encourage new shoots and continuous blooming. Looking to enhance your dahlia blooms? Learn how to prune dahlias effectively with our expert tips and tricks for healthier, more vibrant flowers!
How do you Deadhead a dahlia?
Step 1: Deadhead spent blossoms by cutting away just above a node where new buds may form; this encourages continued blooming throughout the growing season. Step 2: Once your dahlia has reached a height of 18-24 inches, you should pinch or cut off the topmost growing point to encourage branching further down on the stem.
What tools do you need to prune a dahlia?
Before you start pruning, make sure you have the right tools. Pruning Dahlias is not heavy-duty work, so you only need a few essentials: Pruning Shears: Sharp, clean shears are great for making precise cuts. Look for high-quality shears that sit well in your hands. Gloves: Protecting your hands during pruning is always important.