Is Bone Meal Good for Dahlias? An In-Depth Look at Using This Fertilizer

As a dahlia enthusiast, I’m always seeking ways to maximize the growth and blooms of my favorite flowers One question I often get is whether bone meal makes a suitable fertilizer for dahlias

Bone meal provides an excellent source of phosphorus – an important nutrient for root and flower development But it has pros and cons that need consideration before adding it to your dahlia bed

In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at using bone meal for dahlias. We’ll explore how it works, when to apply it, potential benefits and drawbacks, and alternatives to bone meal fertilizer.

What Exactly is Bone Meal?

Bone meal consists of finely ground animal bones that have been steamed and pulverized. It’s an organic source of phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen derived from creatures like cows sheep, pigs, and poultry.

The phosphorus content is typically in the range of 12-16%, with calcium around 20-30%. Nitrogen levels are lower at 1-4%. Due to the high phosphorus, bone meal is considered a “bloom booster” fertilizer.

The ground bone powder has a yellowish hue and feels gritty between your fingers. When worked into soil, it slowly releases nutrients over a 2-3 month period. The effects are longest-lasting in alkaline soils versus acidic soils.

Key Reasons to Use Bone Meal for Dahlias

• Provides phosphorus for root growth and flowering: Dahlias thrive when given phosphorus during early growth stages. Bone meal is an organic source of this vital nutrient.

• Improves soil structure: The granular texture of bone meal lightens heavy clay soils. It adds porosity for better drainage and aeration.

• Attracts earthworms: Worms are drawn to the calcium, phosphorus, and organic matter in bone meal. Their tunneling improves overall soil health.

• May deter pests: Some gardeners report less slug and snail damage when using bone meal. The abrasive texture could deter them from dining on plants.

• Lasting fertilization: Unlike fast-acting synthetic fertilizers, bone meal releases nutrients more slowly over an extended period. This can support dahlias for months rather than just weeks.

• Simple to apply: Bone meal is very easy to distribute – just sprinkle it in planting holes or broadcast across beds. No complicated equipment is required.

Potential Drawbacks of Using Bone Meal

While bone meal offers clear benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• Attracts dogs and wildlife: The scent and flavor of bone meal may tempt dogs, coyotes, bears and other creatures to dig up treated soil.

• May burn plants if over-applied: Excess bone meal can damage plant roots and leaves. Use sparingly according to package rates.

• Lacks other key nutrients: Bone meal only provides nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium. It doesn’t contain potassium, magnesium, iron and other nutrients vital for dahlias.

• Risk of disease transmission: There’s a very slight chance of contaminated bone meal spreading livestock diseases. However, this risk is minimal with properly processed commercial products.

• Limited availability: Bone meal can be difficult to source locally compared to synthetic fertilizers. You may need to purchase online ahead of the growing season.

When and How to Apply Bone Meal for Dahlias

Bone meal is relatively fast acting compared to other organic fertilizers. Its nutrients become plant-available 2-4 weeks after application.

For dahlias, work 1-2 tablespoons of bone meal into the soil at the bottom of each planting hole before adding tubers. This places phosphorus right where young roots will grow and take it up quickly.

You can also sprinkle bone meal lightly across the entire dahlia bed at this early stage – about 1/2 cup per square foot. Gently water in to help dissolve the granules so roots can access the nutrients.

Later in the season, you can do a second application when buds first appear by digging it lightly into the top few inches of soil around each plant.

Always follow package instructions carefully, as overdoing bone meal can burn roots and leaves. More is NOT better when it comes to fertilizers!

Alternatives to Bone Meal for Dahlias

If you choose not to use bone meal, there are several suitable alternatives for providing phosphorus and well-rounded nutrition to dahlias:

• Rock phosphate – This mined mineral product also supplies phosphorus along with trace elements.

• Fish bone meal – Made from fish rather than land mammals, an option if you want to avoid bovine-sourced materials.

• Worm castings – An excellent broad-spectrum organic fertilizer that provides phosphorus plus many other nutrients.

• Manure compost – Composted manure from chickens, horses, cows, etc. provides a gentler combination of nutrients compared to straight bone meal.

• All-purpose organic fertilizer – Look for a blend that contains both bone meal and rock phosphate along with other macro/micronutrients.

• Synthetic fertilizer – You can use a balanced 10-10-10 or similar synthetic fertilizer, though organics are generally preferable.

An Ideal Pairing: Bone Meal + Compost/Manure

One great way to get the benefits of bone meal along with a broader spectrum of nutrition is to combine it with compost or manure.

For example, add a few tablespoons of bone meal to the bottom of planting holes, then backfill around the tubers with compost-rich soil. The bone meal provides an initial phosphorus boost while the compost releases a steady supply of nitrogen, potassium and micronutrients.

The bone meal also complements the physical structure of compost or manure. It provides a mineral balance to the high organic matter content. Think of this duo as the perfect teammates!

The Verdict: Bone Meal as a Dahlia Fertilizer

Overall, bone meal can be very beneficial for dahlias IF applied properly. The high phosphorus content delivers what dahlias crave early on to support root and flower development.

However, it shouldn’t be considered a stand-alone fertilizer. Combining bone meal with composts, manures or all-purpose organic blends creates a superior nutritional regimen for your dahlias.

The choice of whether to use bone meal comes down to personal preferences and locally available materials. Follow package directions closely to avoid overdosing. With some prudent testing in your conditions, you can decide if bone meal earns a spot in your dahlia fertilizing regimen.

A Quick Guide to Growing Beautiful Dahlias

Beyond fertilizing, proper care in other areas is key to success with dahlias. Here is a quick overview of tips for growing gorgeous dahlias:

• Plant tubers in fertile, well-draining soil. Add compost or manure to improve texture.

• Choose a sunny, open site. Dahlias need at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

• Wait until all frost risk has passed and soil warms above 60 degrees F.

• Plant tubers horizontally, 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart. Pinch off weak shoots.

• Stake tall varieties to provide needed support and prevent damage from wind/rain.

• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Avoid touching stems with mulch.

• Water deeply and consistently, about 1-2 inches per week. Dahlias are very thirsty!

• Pinch back first shoots when plants reach 12-18 inches tall. Pinch again as needed through summer.

• Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks from planting until buds appear.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flower production.

• Dig up tubers after first frost and allow to dry. Store dormant tubers in cool, dry spot.

Follow these best practices for site selection, planting, care and harvesting. With good nutrition and proper maintenance, your dahlias will thrive and delight year after year!