Growing Dahlias In Brisbane
Growing dahlias in Brisbane is a great idea!
Growing peonies, tulips and lilacs in Brisbane is rarely going to work, because Brisbane is just too hot, but growing dahlias in Brisbane? We have the perfect climate for that!
Dahlias are the floral emblem of Mexico which tells you what sort of heat they thrive in and, after a number of years of growing dahlias in Brisbane with success myself, I’ve put together some of my top tips below.
Although you can grow dahlias in pots (I have before), I have noticed that they seem to grow a lot better in the ground or garden bed. I’ve included all of the important details I’ve learned about growing dahlias in Brisbane over the last 5 years below. And if you are looking for where to buy dahlia tubers within Australia, you might like my Ultimate Dahlia Sellers List below. Happy growing!
Some of the different dahlia varieties I grew in my Brisbane backyard (above) including African Peach and Astrid Coorabell dahlias
Growing Dahlias In Brisbane | 10 Top Tips
#1 The main thing to know about growing dahlias is that they grow from tubers, not seeds. I’ve put together a list of places across Australia you can buy dahlia tubers here.
#2 Not matter how far and wide you search, most places start only selling dahlia tubers from August/ September. Because they no longer get shipped internationally, you need to be on your game to get them before they sell out! Tubers cost $10-$25 each.
#3 You can buy dahlia plants (where they have already been growing for about a month) if you want to get a head start. The Diggers Club, The Grove Country Gardens Centre and even Bunnings sell these.
#4 Traditionally, dahlia season = summer; however, because Brisbane can get summer weather from September, I usually plant my tubers in September. You can plant dahlia tubers anytime up to January in Brisbane.
#5 Dahlias take about 3-4 months to grow flowers. Along the way they will need support to keep them upright (from stakes or similar) as the beautiful flowers can get really heavy and start to fall over.
#6 As dahlias can get quite large (some of mine have gone over head height) I’ve found that growing between 5-10 in a backyard is plenty.
#7 You plant dahlia tubers on their side (not vertically) and cover with dirt. I plant them 30cm apart in a garden bed or plant 1 tuber per pot if that’s what you are using. Check out my Dahlias For Beginners Ebook for more info.
#8 Dahlias usually start to die off when the weather gets cold in autumn. You can actually collect the tubers around April/May and re-use them again to grow more flowers next summer. Check out my Dahlia Tubers: Splitting And Storing Guide.
#9 There are so many incredible dahlia varieties to choose from, from dark claret reds to peachy pinks to pure whites. I cover off some of the most exciting and beautiful varieties I’ve seen in 9 Amazing Dahlias To Grow In 2023.
#10 If all else fails, buy a bunch of dahlias from someone who knows how to grow them! I’ve put together a list here.
Growing dahlias in Brisbane = easy. Note the garden stakes I used to hold up my dahlia plants in this photo
The pink African Peach dahlia I grew last year
Looking for more information? Check out my take on What Veggies To Grow Now (2024 Edition) or Dahlia Tubers: A Splitting And Storing Guide.
