Companion planting for dahlias is an experience-based observation developed over centuries. People have noticed that planting certain plants side by side has a positive effect on each other, increasing the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Companion planting is not set in stone and it is the least you can do for your plants. You can get the right care from the individual plant article. You can see the companion and the enemy plants of dahlias below.
| Companion plants for dahlias | Enemy plants of dahlias |
|---|---|
| Coneflower | Broccoli |
| Cilantro | Cabbage |
| Cosmos | Cauliflower |
| Lavender |
Why does companion planting work?
Companion planting works due to several interconnected factors:
Pest Control: Certain plants emit natural chemicals or scents that repel pests, effectively acting as natural pest deterrents for nearby plants. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fosters a more balanced ecosystem.
Attracting Beneficial Insects: Some companion plants attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, hoverflies, and predatory wasps, which feed on common garden pests. This creates a natural form of pest control and helps maintain ecological balance.
Soil Improvement: Different plants have varying root structures and nutrient requirements. Companion planting can enhance soil health by reducing soil erosion, suppressing weeds, and improving nutrient uptake. For example, leguminous plants fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting neighboring plants that require nitrogen for growth.
Competition Reduction: Companion planting can help reduce competition for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients by utilizing plants with complementary growth patterns and root structures. This allows for more efficient resource utilization and healthier plant growth.
Biodiversity and Resilience: Planting diverse species together increases biodiversity in the garden, which can enhance ecosystem resilience. A diverse ecosystem is better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses compared to monocultures.
Maximizing Space: Companion planting allows gardeners to make the most of limited space by intercropping plants with different growth habits and maturity rates. This maximizes yield per square foot and promotes efficient land use.
Overall, companion planting capitalizes on the natural synergies between plant species, creating a thriving and sustainable garden ecosystem.
What are the companion plants of dahlias?
The following plants have positive effects on the growth of your dahlias. These plants can repel pests that damage your plants. These plants provide increased nutrition to the soil that your plants can use. Therefore, we recommend planting these plants next to your dahlias.
Coneflower
Coneflowers thrive in diverse soil types. Flourishing in well-drained, loamy soil under the radiant warmth of sunlight, they embody adaptability and grandeur. Consistent moisture and occasional pruning support robust growth and prolific flowering. Coneflowers offer general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting pollinators and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Beautiful Combo: On top of all that, coneflowers and dahlias together create a stunning display of colorful blooms in your garden.
Attracts Pollinators: Coneflowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These helpful visitors will also stop by your dahlias, making sure they bloom beautifully.
Pest Distraction: Coneflowers can act as a natural distraction for pests. They attract bugs away from your dahlias, keeping the flowers healthier.
Low Competition: Coneflowers and dahlias grow in different ways and don’t fight for space. Coneflowers stay a bit more upright, while dahlias bush out, so they complement each other nicely.
Cilantro
Coriander thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter, it embodies adaptability and aroma. Adequate moisture and sunlight support lush growth and abundant foliage. Coriander extends general benefits to neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects and enhancing overall garden biodiversity.
Attracts Good Bugs: Cilantro flowers bring in helpful insects like hoverflies and ladybugs. These bugs eat pests like aphids that might bother your dahlias.
Pest Repellent: The strong smell of cilantro can also help keep some pests away from your dahlias (like aphids), acting like a natural shield.
No Space Issues: Cilantro grows low to the ground and doesn’t take up much space, so it won’t crowd your dahlias or block their sunlight.
Cosmos
Cosmos plants flourish in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0–6.8 (acidic). Their vibrant blooms add charm to any garden, known for attracting butterflies, and bringing color and life to outdoor spaces. They can tolerate drought, poor soil conditions, and neglect pretty well once established. They even self-sow, making them a truly low-maintenance addition to any garden.
Attracts Pollinators: Cosmos are full of nectar, which attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This helps your dahlias bloom better because pollinators will visit both flowers.
Easy to Grow Together: Both cosmos and dahlias like full sunlight, so they grow well in the same spot. Plus, cosmos have a more upright growth habit, while dahlias tend to bush out, so they don’t crowd each other.
Lavender
Lavender thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, alkaline soil with a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. Full sunlight and good air circulation nurture its delicate flowers and aromatic foliage. Lavender provides invaluable benefits to neighboring plants by repelling pests, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and promoting relaxation and tranquility in the garden environment. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like rosemary and mint, lavender symbolizes the natural elegance and serene beauty found within the garden's sanctuary.
Looks Gorgeous Together: The purple flowers of lavender and the vibrant blooms of dahlias look beautiful when planted side by side, creating a stunning garden display.
Attracts Helpful Insects: Lavender is known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. These bugs help your dahlias by spreading pollen, leading to more blooms.
What are the enemy plants of dahlias?
Planting these plants next to dahlias has a huge negative effect on the development of your plant. Growing enemy plants can appeal detrimental insects, change the taste of the grown plant and even consuming all of the nutrients and water from your dahlias. Because of these negative effects, we don’t recomment growing the plants below next to your dahlias.
Broccoli
Broccoli flourishes in diverse growing conditions. Thriving in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant yields. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and cabbage, broccoli embodies the natural abundance and beauty found within the garden's embrace.
Nutrient Competition: Broccoli needs a lot of nutrients to grow strong, and dahlias need those same nutrients. Planting them together could mean they’re both fighting for the nutrients in the soil, and neither may grow as well as they could.
Space Issues: Broccoli grows big and can take up a lot of space. Dahlias also need room to spread out, so planting them too close could lead to overcrowding and limit their growth.
Different Needs: Broccoli prefers cooler weather and regular moisture, while dahlias love warmer temperatures and well-drained soil. Their different needs can make it tricky for both to thrive together in the same spot.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained soil enriched with compost, it adapts to pH levels ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Adequate moisture and sunlight foster robust growth and ample foliage. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like kale and Brussels sprouts, cabbage epitomizes the culinary versatility and natural elegance found within the garden's domain.
Nutrient Competition: Both cabbage and dahlias need a lot of nutrients from the soil to grow well. If you plant them too close together, they’ll compete for those nutrients, and neither will grow as strong.
Pest Problems: Cabbage can attract pests like cabbage worms and aphids. These pests might also go after your dahlias, making it harder to keep both plants healthy.
Space Issues: Cabbage grows wide and can take up a lot of space, which might crowd your dahlias. Dahlias need room to spread out and grow, so they can struggle if planted too close to cabbage.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower thrives in various soil conditions. Flourishing in well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. Adequate moisture and sunlight support vigorous growth and abundant curds. Cauliflower extends benefits to neighboring plants by enhancing soil health, promoting microbial activity, and optimizing nutrient availability. Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, alongside esteemed companions like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, cauliflower epitomizes the lush abundance and natural charm found within the garden's bounty.
Nutrient Competition: Cauliflower needs a lot of nutrients from the soil to grow well, and dahlias need those same nutrients. If you plant them too close together, they’ll compete for resources, which can stunt both plants’ growth.
Pest Issues: Cauliflower can attract pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and other insects that also like to munch on dahlias. This can make it harder to keep your dahlias healthy.
Space Problems: Cauliflower grows large and takes up a lot of space. Dahlias also need room to spread out, so planting them together could lead to overcrowding, preventing both plants from thriving.
