Storing Tubers Before Planting

Partially unzip the compostable bag your tubers were shipped in to let the tubers breathe while you wait until planting. Store tubers in a cool, dark location between 45-60°F and keep an eye on them. Spritz the storage medium with water if you start to notice it drying out or that the tubers are looking shriveled. 

Planting Directions

Plant your tubers after your last frost date once soil temperature reaches at least 60°F. Dahlias appreciate being planted in an area that receives a minimum of 6-8 hours of full sunlight and has well-draining, fertile soil. Dig holes 4-6” deep and spaced 12-18” apart. I like to add a small handful of compost or rabbit manure to the bottom of each hole to encourage healthy growth. Place the dahlia tuber flat on its side with the eye or sprout facing upwards and cover with soil. Unless your soil is very dry and you live in an arid climate, wait to water until you see green growth emerging from the ground. Too much moisture early on can cause a tuber to rot.

Growing & Maintenance

Once plants are 6–12” tall, water deeply 2–3 times per week using drip or overhead watering, letting the soil dry in between waterings. While your dahlias are young and tender they might become a target for slugs. I recommend spreading Sluggo Plus or a similar organic slug bait around the base of the plants early in the season to keep your plants from being stressed by munchers. When your plant reaches 12” with 3–4 sets of leaves, pinch out the center growing tip. This encourages lateral branching and significantly increases the number of flowers! Staking your dahlias is absolutely necessary to keep them from falling over as they get taller and top-heavy with blooms. If you have only a few plants, I recommend a single sturdy stake for each dahlia plant, tying it securely to the stake with twine. If you have a larger collection, you can use a corralling method with posts and twine to safeguard your plants. 

Enjoying Your Blooms

The best way to get abundant blooms from your dahlias is by regularly removing spent blooms (known as deadheading), making sure to cut back to a lateral stem or branching point - don’t simply remove the bloom head. Removing spent flowers tells your plant that it is not time to produce seeds but to produce more flowers! The more flowers you cut, the more the dahlia will continue to bloom.For the longest vase life, I recommend cutting dahlias in the early morning or late cool evening — never in midday heat. Cut stems at an angle and place immediately in cool water. Condition flowers in a cool, dark location for several hours before arranging into a vase. Change vase water every 1–2 days. Most dahlias last 5–8 days when properly conditioned like this!