Dahlias Are Spindly And Unable To Support Flowers

Question From: Portland, Oregon, United States
Q: I am a new gardener, my beloved dahlias become too tall (6'), stems are too thin and do not support the flowers, they are falling. I have a support sticks at the base. If I cut the top flowers will the plant produce more flowers? I am heart broken, love them so much. Thanks for the help.

A: Lack of sun and/or too much fertilizer will make them stretch and become spindly. However the larger flowers are heavy and are usually staked. If you keep the flowers deadheaded the tubers should flower through to frost. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy