That would have that effect only if there is a nutrient deficiency. Search www for tips on "growing dahlias", "dahlia cultivation" etc.
Father always planted them on good compost / manure and well watered not too hot disbudded excess blooms and tied them inside a cradle of sticks and raffia twine and hey presto some were dinner plates. This of course depends on variety. I have used same method and have had regular luck at local flower show. Oh and he lifted them in late autumn. I don't bother as we are no longer as wet and cold as it once was but maybe where you are you will need to lift. Liz
having grown dahlias for years and in shows across the midwest i am pretty familar with disbudding and choosing the proper type. i guess i should have explained a little better. i was hoping there was a type of fertilizer or natural formula that could get me a couple more inches in the bloom itself.we are judged on circ. and depth among other things.should i start a new thread-im new here and just learning your sight=thanks
It is true there are products sold labeled as Tomato Food and Evergreen Food as though their formulations would be appropriate for that particular kind of plant anywhere. You can even see recommendations on Cooperative Extension web sites (and printed materials) to fertilize particular plants (crops) with certain nutrients in specific amounts. However, this is not in alignment with the reality that soils vary in nutrient content and availability from one location to another, even on the same property. To fertilize intelligently one really needs to sample and test soil to see what they are dealing with in their own particular situation.
