Feeding your Flowers
Once they are established, dahlias respond incredibly well to being cut. The more you cut them, the more they flower, but they do need feeding to keep up with that effort. I use a regular liquid feed throughout the flowering season to support strong stems and continuous blooms.
How to Cut Dahlias
When cutting, I have learned that going lower on the stem makes a real difference. Even though it sometimes means sacrificing a bud that has already formed, cutting low encourages the plant to produce more side shoots. Those new shoots quickly turn into fresh stems with even more flowers.
I always cut just above a leaf joint using sharp snips. Within days, you can usually see new growth forming, and the plant becomes bushier and more productive as the season goes on.
Arranging Bouquets
When arranging flowers, I like to add a few supporting blooms to soften the structure of dahlias. My favourite addition is cosmos. They have a lighter, more delicate feel that balances the bold shapes of dahlia heads beautifully.
I particularly love Cosmos Apricotta, but I also grow Double Click and Cupcake varieties. These are easy to grow from seed and make generous cut flowers, so they are perfect for filling out a bouquet without overpowering it.
Dahlias taught me that abundance often comes from thoughtful cutting, good feeding, and a few well-chosen companions.
My Cutting Essentials
