Dahlia 'Sincerity'

Dahlias can have issues with Slugs, Aphids, Capsid Bugs, Earwigs and Powdery Mildew. To defend against the bacterial infections, try to maintain good garden hygiene. Space the plants out adequately to allow for good air circulation. For Slugs and Snails, it is important to keep the area around the plant debris free and as dry as possible, especially at night as slugs and snails love damp conditions. You can use barriers such as egg shells or copper wire around the plant to prevent slugs and snails reaching the leaves. For Aphids, check the leaves regularly for any possible infestation. Pick the bugs off and spray the infected area with soapy water. You can also plant a companion plant nearby, eg: Marigolds, which will attract predatory insects such as ladybirds that will eat the aphids.MORE

Water well especially during hot and dry periods. It is best to water Dahlias once a week. However, if the plant looks distressed during prolonged hot periods you may want to water more often.

Dahlias should be planted somewhere they receive around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.

Mix in plenty of organic matter such as garden compost into the soil before planting and more every spring. If your soil is particularly clay-heavy and easily becomes waterlogged, add some perlite into the soil to improve drainage.

Apply a general purpose feed at the planting time. Then, from July to September feed every two weeks with a high-potash liquid feed such as tomato feed. ?v=1613300718