Dahlia Growing Basics for the Santa Barbara Gardener

By Erika Burrows, Realtor®

One of the unexpected joys of living on the Central Coast is how well dahlias thrive here. With a little care and attention, these stunning blooms can bring color and character to your garden from summer into fall. Whether you're working with a full yard or a small cutting garden, dahlias are a rewarding choice—and surprisingly easy to grow once you understand the basics.

I've created a clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you grow healthy, beautiful dahlias right here in Santa Barbara County.

Below are a few highlights:

🌞 Site Selection & Soil Dahlias need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Raised beds or amended garden beds work especially well.

🌱 Planting Tips Plant firm, sprouted tubers in the spring once frost risk has passed—typically February through May here. Place the tuber horizontally in a 4-inch-deep hole, with the eye or sprout facing upward. Support with a stake or tomato cage early, as plants can grow up to 6 feet tall.

💧 Watering Hold off on watering at planting time unless the tubers are dry. Once growth begins, water deeply 2–3 times per week, avoiding overhead watering to prevent mildew.

🌿 Fertilizing Dahlias are heavy feeders and perform best with organic fertilizer, compost, or well-rotted manure. I recommend Down to Earth Organic Rose & Flower Mix or AgroThrive Organic Fruit & Flower Liquid Mix.

🐌 Pest Management Snails, slugs, and earwigs are common pests. Use pet-safe options like Sluggo Plus and keep the area around the plant free of debris. Young plants are vulnerable to rabbits, so consider light protective covers until they’re established.

✂️ Cutting for Blooms Regular cutting encourages more flowers and longer stems. Cut deeply—14 to 18 inches below the bloom—just above a leaf node. This signals the plant to send up new growth. I recommend cutting twice a week for best results.

🌸 Pinching & Disbudding Pinch when plants are about 10 inches tall to encourage branching. Remove side buds early to direct energy into the main flower, resulting in larger, stronger blooms.

Whether you're new to dahlias or already a fan, I’d love to see how your garden grows. Text me at 805.886.1588 if you have any questions or want to share photos of your blooms—I’m always happy to connect.

And if your dream is to have more space to grow, I’d love to help you find the right property to make that dream a reality.

—Erika BurrowsRealtor® | Santa Barbara County| www.erikaburrows.com | 805.886.1588 | erika@erikaburrows.com