Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast, Episode 75: Growing Dahlias with Nick Gitts

In this episode Nick Gitts, owner of Swan Island Dahilas, answers all of my burning dahlia care questions. Swan Island Dahlias is a 40 acre dahlia farm located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and they grow over 360 varieties of dahlias and Nick has been running the farm since 1975. 

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In this episode, we discuss:

Choosing the best location to plant your dahliasHow and when to plant dahlia tubersFertilizing dahliasHow and when to pinch dahlia sproutsTuber digging, dividing and storage

Important Take-aways:

Dahlias should be planted when the ground temperature is approx. 60 degrees.Plant dahlias in a location that receives full sun and has well draining soil. If you have a heavier soil, add in peat moss or bagged steer manure to lighten and loosen the soil texture for better drainage.Most areas have enough rain to fill dahlia water needs until the sprouts appear above the ground. After dahlias are established dahlias should receive a deep watering 2-3 times a week.Dahlias require a low nitrogen fertilizer.Dahlias can overwinter in the ground, but should be divided at least every 3 yearsWhen digging dahlias in the fall, divide within one week of lifting the bulbs or wait until spring. The "eyes" will start to recess on lifted bulbs, making it harder to know where to divide the tubers.Store tubers in crates or cardboard boxes lined with newspaper. Surround tubers with slightly dampened Peat Moss, Sand, or Pet bedding material (sawdust/shavings). A few standout varieties that Nick recommends from the Swan Island Catalog:Nick Sr.BluetifulMikayla MirandaLights OutDivaSpoiled RottenOMGA few of Hilary's favorite varieties: 


























Ginger Willow + Cafe Au Lait























Miss Delilah























Cooper Blaine























Crichton Honey






















A few of our favorite books on growing and arranging flowers: 
















By Erin Benzakein, Julie Chai























By Lynn Byczynski























By Alethea Harampolis, Jill Rizzo























By Ariella Chezar, Julie Michaels

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More about this weeks guest expert:

Nick Gitts is the owner of Swan Island Dahlias. The farm has been in his family since 1963, and Nick has been helping to run the farm since 1975. 

Website: dahlias.com
Instagram: @swanislanddahlias
Facebook: @swanislanddahlias

About the Host:

Hello, I’m Hilary Dahl. Outside of this podcast, my job is to help beginning and experienced growers create beautiful and productive gardens. I have the unique experience of working in on a wide range of projects, from small backyard garden plots to multi-acre vegetable farms. I also work in my own garden every day when I get home. This podcast is an opportunity to discuss seasonal garden topics and share the the joy of growing your own food.