Dahlia 'Paso Doble'

Dahlias can have issues with slugs, aphids, capsid bugs, earwigs and powdery mildew. To defend against moulds and mildews, 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 them reaching the leaves. For aphids, check the leaves regularly for any possible infestation, then 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.

Water well especially when newly planted and during hot and dry periods. It is best to water dahlias once a week. However, if the plant looks distressed during prolonged hot periods this should be increased.

Dahlias should be planted somewhere where 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 planting time. Then, from July to September each year, feed every two weeks with a high-potash liquid feed such as tomato feed.