I love DAHLIAS! We will be planting over 1000 dahlias for the 2025 season! Dahlias can seem overwhelming, but they really are an easy to care for flower!
Dahlias are grown from tubers, similar to potatoes. Dahlia tubers need a neck and a crown, or a piece of the center stem. The crown is where the sprout will start growing. You only need 1 tuber and 1 growing eye for a full dahlia plant. Every dahlia plant will grow more dahlia tubers through the growing season. In more mild climates, you can leave your dahlias in the ground over winter. If colder climates, or in ground that might flood or hold lots of water it is best to dig your dahlia tubers and store for the winter. If you dig your dahlia, you can separate the tubers, creating more plants.
Dahlias are ready to be planted when you are past the last frost date for your area. Often people wait for Mother's Day or for the Lilacs to bloom to plant dahlias.
Dahlia Tubers should be stored in a cool dry place until ready to plant. If they get too warm they can dry out, or rot.
Once you are ready to plant, dig a hole about 6" deep, and wide enough for the tuber to lay on its side. Plant the tuber horizontal and cover with soil. Dahlias do better with a stake, especiall taller or heavier varieties. I recommend adding the stake in when you plant your tuber to mark the spot, and ensure the stake will be close to plant and you wont accidentally stab the tuber once the plant is growing.
Just planted tubers should be kept damp but not soaking. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Your dahlia should sprout in 3-5 weeks. If no sprout has come up, dig up your tuber to see whats going on. Sometimes they are just slower, but occasionally they can rot or not have growing eyes.
Once your tuber has grown to about 5 leaf nodes, you should pinch out the middle to encourage lateral growth and more blooms. Just just the middle of the plant out right about 2 leaf nodes.
Tubers are heavy feeders and I recommend fertilizing a few times through the season pending on what type of fertilizer you use.
Common pests for dahlias are slugs/snails, Thrips, Cucumber Beetles and Earwigs. I mostly control these with beneficial insects (like lace wings, pirate bugs, nematodes), companion planting, and organic sprays like neem oil.
Dahlias are cut and come again, the more you dead head and remove blooms the more flowers you will have!
