Most dahlia growers provide some support to their plants, except for low growing bedding varieties. There are many
acceptable options. Tall 150 - 175 cm (5-6 feet) garden stakes can be placed in the ground at the time of planting
where they will stay until the plants are dug in the fall. Alternatively a short marking stake can be placed beside
the newly planted tuber so as to mark its location. After the plant has reached the height of one to three feet the
marker stake can be removed and a tall stake placed in its place for the remainder of the summer season. It is a good
idea to tie or attach a name-tag on to your stakes so that you will know which plant is planted where.
Some growers use tomato cages to supply support for dahlia plants. These work quite successfully but are more expensive.
Care should be exercised so as to not damage the plant or impale the tuber with the ends of the cage wires.
Where garden stakes are provided for support it is important to loosely tie the plants to the stake to prevent them
from blowing or falling over due to the weight of the many blooms that will develop. Tying should begin when the plants
are 30 to 40 cm (12 - 16 inches) tall. Additional tying to the stake should be made at about 30 cm (12 inch) intervals
as the plant grows. The first strong wind with rain will generally tell you if you have provided adequate support.
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Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11