How to prune dahlia

Pinch at 30–40 cm tall (early summer); deadhead and disbud throughout the flowering season. Pinch the central shoot above the third or fourth set of leaves. To deadhead, trace the spent flower stem down to the next visible bud or leaf fork and cut cleanly there. For exhibition blooms, remove the two smaller buds flanking each main terminal bud.

Pinch once; deadhead every 5–7 days throughout flowering season. Dahlias need consistent pruning for maximum bloom. Pinch the central growing tip when plants reach 30–40 cm tall to force branching and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the season by cutting the stem back to the next lateral bud or leaf node. Disbudding (removing side buds) produces larger show-quality blooms on dinner-plate varieties.

Pinch the central shoot above the third or fourth set of leaves. To deadhead, trace the spent flower stem down to the next visible bud or leaf fork and cut cleanly there. For exhibition blooms, remove the two smaller buds flanking each main terminal bud.