Cutting back Dahlias

Question

I have some dinner plate dahlias that are about 5 feet but all the leaves are at the top. The bottom 2-3 ft are bare. Can I cut them back to 6-8 inches and will they come back more full?

Answer 1

I would not at this time, but for next year, you may want to pinch the tops while the plant is still small. This will force the plant to grow fuller. At that height now, cutting back that much would hurt the plant. It is best to stake them up this year and pinch them next year.