People ask me if dahlias are hard to grow. The answer, I guess, is yes… and no. They like what they like. They came from a mountainous area in Mexico. Probably a pretty temperate area. So, here in Kentucky, I have to dig the tubers up, after the die back from frost, and then store them for the winter somewhere cool, but not freezing and humid, but not too wet or dry. Maybe it does require forethought and work, but if you love them like I do, you will find it enjoyable and very rewarding.
So, you just received your tubers and they look nothing like the beautiful flowers above… but more like potatoes. What now?
-Open your tubers as soon as possible, make sure they are dry and then you can place them in a cool place until you can plant them. Leave the plastic they came in open so they receive so air-flow and don’t get moldy.
-Choose a location that is sunny to plant them, at least 6 hours of full sun. Dahlias love sunlight. However, mine get shade after 5pm and do fine, especially in the hottest part of the summer.
-They should be in well-drained soil. Again, think of a potato, they don’t like to sit in water, and will rot if forced to.
-Dig your hole 4-6” deep. Place the tuber horizontally with any “eye” they might have, pointing up. (An eye is a small growing point on a tuber, usually located on the neck.
-Cover the tuber with soil and, if your soil is dry, lightly water. I try not to water again until the tuber has sprouted. Of course, if it rains, I don’t worry to cover them unless I feel it’s so much rain they might rot. Once you have little plants, that means they have roots and will want water. Now you can water regularly. Especially during hot and dry periods. Remember, they are from a temperate climate.
-You may want to fertilize them after they receive their second set of leaves.
-Many dahlia plants are tall and will require staking in order to keep from falling or breaking.
-Deadhead by removing spent flowers. I like to cut deep on the stems. This tends to make the plants branch out and thus causes even more blooms… and who doesn’t want more blooms?
I hope this helps and you have success growing these beautiful flowers!
