Dahlia Growing Guide

Dahlia Growing Guide

For Pueblo, Colorado | Zone 6a

By Cocoa Bella Flower Co.


Thank you for purchasing a potted dahlia from Cocoa Bella Flower Co. Dahlias are beautiful, productive plants, but they need the right combination of sunshine, water, nutrients, and support to bloom well in Pueblo’s hot, dry climate.

1. When to Plant


  • Plant after danger of frost has passed, typically mid-May in Pueblo.
  • Dahlias thrive in warm soil and sunshine.
  • Because these are potted dahlias, water them in thoroughly after planting.


2. Sun + Location


  • Dahlias need 6–8+ hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Do not plant directly against a house, brick wall, rock garden, or areas with intense reflected heat.
  • In Pueblo’s summer heat, those areas can become too hot and cause dahlias to struggle.


3. Soil + Fertility


Dahlias are heavy feeders. Fertilization depends on your individual soil, which is why a MySoil Test is so helpful. It takes the guesswork out of fertilizing and shows you exactly what your soil needs.

Without enough nutrients, water, or sunshine, dahlias may grow plenty of leaves but produce very few flowers.


4. Planting


  • Space plants 12–18 inches apart.
  • Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot.
  • Gently firm the soil around the plant.
  • Water thoroughly immediately after planting.


5. Watering


Dahlias need deep watering a few times per week. In the hottest months, this may be up to 3 times per week.

At Cocoa Bella Flower Co., we run our drip irrigation for approximately 45 minutes, 3 times per week during the hottest part of summer.

Drip irrigation is ideal because it waters deeply while keeping foliage drier.

Can you water with a sprinkler? Sure. However, overhead watering should be done in the early morning hours so the foliage doesn't burn in the hot Pueblo sun.


6. Growing Dahlias in Pots


  • Growing dahlias in pots is possible.
  • Pots dry out much faster than in-ground beds.
  • During summer heat, containers may require daily deep watering.
  • Nutrients also leach out of pots faster, so you will need to apply nutrients more frequently than you would in the ground.
  • Larger containers generally perform better than small pots.

7. Pinching


  • Pinch after the plant has 4 sets of leaves.
  • Remove the center growing tip.
  • This encourages a bushier plant, stronger stems, and more blooms.


8. Support

  • Dahlias need support as they grow.
  • Use stakes or netting early before plants become large and heavy.
  • Pueblo wind and summer storms can easily snap unsupported stems.


9. Cutting Flowers


  • Cut flowers when blooms are fully open.
  • Harvest early morning or evening for best vase life.
  • Frequent cutting encourages more blooms.


10. End of Season

  • After the first frost, cut plants back.
  • Dig and store tubers for winter.
  • Dahlias typically will not survive winter in Pueblo if left in the ground.

Quick Success Tips

  • Plant in full sun, but avoid reflected heat from brick, rock, and houses.
  • Water deeply and consistently.
  • Soil test before guessing on fertilizer.
  • Feed according to your soil’s needs.
  • Pinch after 4 sets of leaves.
  • Support plants before they flop.
  • Cut flowers often for more blooms.

Cocoa Bella Flower Co.
Locally grown, designer flowers in Pueblo, Colorado.