is bone meal good for dahlias

Is Bone Meal Good for Dahlias? A Comprehensive Guide

Dahlias are one of the most popular flowers for gardens in late summer and fall. Their bright colors and beautiful shapes make the garden look very interesting when most other flowers have died back.

As someone who loves dahlias, I’m always looking for ways to help them grow and flower even more. People who are also gardeners often ask me if bone meal is a good fertilizer for dahlias.

This guide will go over everything you need to know about using bone meal for dahlias. We’ll talk about what bone meal is, its pros and cons, when and how to use it, and other options besides bone meal. My goal is to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about using bone meal in your dahlia garden.

What is Bone Meal?

Bone meal is an organic fertilizer made from ground animal bones, usually from cows, pigs, sheep, fish, or poultry. The bones are steam-cooked and pulverized into a fine powder. This powder is rich in the key nutrients phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen.

The phosphorus content of bone meal ranges from 12-16%, making it an excellent source of this nutrient. Phosphorus is vital for healthy root growth and flower development. Calcium levels range from 20-30%, and nitrogen content is typically 1-4%.

Bone meal is called a “bloom booster” fertilizer because it has a lot of phosphorus in it. The nitrogen and calcium also benefit plants in various ways. Once bone meal is mixed into the soil, the nutrients slowly come out over two to three months.

Benefits of Using Bone Meal for Dahlias

There are some clear benefits that make bone meal an appealing choice as a dahlia fertilizer:

• Provides phosphorus for root and flower growth – The abundant phosphorus in bone meal is the key reason it’s good for dahlias. Phosphorus stimulates root development and flower production.

• Improves soil structure – The granular texture of bone meal can help lighten heavy, compacted soils. It adds porosity and improves drainage and aeration.

• Attracts earthworms – Worms are drawn to the nutrients and organic matter in bone meal. Their tunneling aerates soil further.

• Deters slugs and snails – Some gardeners find bone meal repels mollusks that can damage dahlias. The gritty texture could be a deterrent.

• Slow, steady nutrient release – Unlike synthetic quick-release fertilizers, bone meal breaks down slowly over months to nourish plants.

• Simple to apply – Bone meal is easy to sprinkle into planting holes or broadcast across beds as needed.

Potential Drawbacks of Bone Meal for Dahlias

Despite the benefits, there are also a few potential disadvantages when using bone meal as a dahlia fertilizer:

• Can burn plants if overapplied – Too much bone meal can damage dahlia’s roots and leaves. Follow package rates carefully.

• Lacks other key nutrients – Bone meal only provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. Dahlias also need potassium, magnesium, and micronutrients.

• Attracts dogs, wildlife – The scent and flavor of bone meal may tempt neighborhood dogs, coyotes, bears, etc. to dig up treated garden areas.

• Limited availability – Bone meal can be harder to source locally than common synthetic fertilizers. It’s often ordered online.

• Risk of transmitting diseases – There is a very minimal chance of contaminated bone meal spreading livestock diseases, though this is uncommon with commercial products.

When and How to Apply Bone Meal to Dahlias

Proper timing and method of application are key to getting the most benefit from bone meal as a dahlia fertilizer. Here are some tips:

• Apply bone meal at planting time – Mix 1-2 tablespoons per dahlia tuber into the bottom of planting holes before placing the tubers. This puts phosphorus right within reach of developing roots.

• Sprinkle lightly across beds early on – In spring, sprinkle up to 1/2 cup of bone meal per square foot over the entire dahlia bed and water in gently.

• Side dress around plants later in season – When buds appear, lightly work bone meal into the top few inches of soil around each plant.

• Follow package directions – Carefully adhere to application rates on the bone meal package to avoid overfertilizing. More is not better.

• Combine with compost or manure – Mixing in some compost provides a broader spectrum of nutrients. Manure adds nutrition from a different organic source.

Alternatives to Bone Meal for Dahlias

If you choose not to use bone meal or want to experiment with other options, some alternatives to provide phosphorus and well-rounded nutrition for dahlias include:

• Rock phosphate – A naturally mined mineral product that also supplies phosphorus.

• Worm castings – An excellent broad-spectrum organic fertilizer full of nutrients, including phosphorus.

• Fish bone meal – Made from fish rather than land animal bones; suitable for vegan gardeners.

• Manure compost – Provides a wide range of nutrients from composted animal manure.

• All-purpose organic fertilizer – Look for blends with multiple nutrient sources like bone, rock phosphate, kelp, etc.

• Synthetic fertilizer – Balanced synthetic fertilizers (ex: 10-10-10) supply key nutrients, though organics are preferable.

The Verdict: Is Bone Meal Good for Dahlias?

However, bone meal should not be considered a stand-alone complete fertilizer. It’s best combined with additional organic materials like compost or manure to provide a full spectrum of nutrients. Following packaging directions carefully to avoid overapplication is also crucial.

The choice of whether to use bone meal ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what materials are readily available in your area. With some judicious testing in your own garden conditions, you can see if bone meal earns a spot in your dahlia fertilizing regimen or if you prefer an alternative fertilizer option. Either way, a little TLC goes a long way in coaxing those gorgeous blooms from your dahlias season after season.