How To Plant Dahlia Tubers

Storing Your Tubers:

Store dahlia tubers in a cool (40–50°F), dark location until you are ready to plant them.

Planting Dahlia Tubers in the Garden:

After all danger of spring frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F, plant tubers directly in the garden.
Choose a well-drained location that receives full sun throughout the day.

• Lay each tuber horizontally in a 4–6-inch-deep hole with the eye facing upward.
• Before covering the tuber with soil, insert a stake next to the crown.
• Space tubers 18–24 inches apart.

Do not water the tubers until growth begins, which can take 2–4 weeks after planting. Protect emerging shoots from slugs.

Water sparingly at first, providing just enough moisture to keep the soil lightly moist until shoots reach 6–10 inches tall. After that, water deeply at least once per week throughout the summer.

For increased flowering, pinch off the central leader once plants reach 10–12 inches tall.
Mulching with compost helps maintain moisture and provides nutrients.

As plants grow, tie them to the stake at 12-inch intervals to keep them upright.

Starting Tubers Indoors:

Tubers may also be started in pots 4–6 weeks before outdoor planting.

Plant them horizontally, 4 inches deep, in shallow pots or trays. Keep them in a warm, sunny, frost-free area and water very sparingly until shoots are growing vigorously.

When the weather is warm and frost danger has passed, transplant them into a well-drained garden bed in full sun at the base of a garden stake. Follow the same care instructions outlined above.