When planting dahlia tubers, dig a hole that is 4 to 6 inches deep
. Place the tuber horizontally on its side with the growing eye facing up, and then refill the hole with soil
. Ensure the old stem is just at the soil surface
. When planting a number of dahlias, shorter varieties should be spaced about 2 feet apart, while other dahlias should have at least 12 inches of space between plants
. Other tips to consider when planting dahlia tubers:
- Choose a location with well-drained, fertile soil that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun
- Dahlias are tender tubers that will not survive frost, so plant them after the threat of the last frost has passed
- Do not water after planting unless the soil is super dry, as too much water can cause the tuber to rot
- As the tubers sprout, continue adding soil up to ground level