To plant dahlia tubers successfully, follow these steps:
- Timing and Preparation
- Plant dahlias after the last frost when the soil is warm, typically in late spring (around late May).
- Prepare a sunny spot with loose, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure
- Planting the Tubers
- Dig a hole about 5-15 cm (2-6 inches) deep, wide enough to accommodate the tuber.
- Place the tuber horizontally or with the "eyes" (buds) facing upwards. The crown (where tubers connect) should be just below the soil surface
* Cover lightly with soil so that the stalk end is minimally covered; the buds should be just beneath the soil surface, not deeply buried
* Space tubers about 45-75 cm (18-30 inches) apart depending on the variety's size
- Watering and Care After Planting
- Do not water immediately after planting unless the soil is very dry, to avoid tuber rot. Once shoots emerge, water regularly to keep soil slightly moist
* Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, leaving space around the stem to prevent rot
- Supporting and Pruning
- Insert stakes at planting for taller varieties to support growth
* When shoots reach about 10-16 cm (4-6 inches), pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier plants and more flowers
- Starting Indoors (Optional)
- You can start tubers indoors in pots with peat-free compost in March or early April to get an early start. Keep them in a warm, frost-free place until late May, then transplant outdoors
By following these steps, you ensure healthy dahlia growth and abundant blooms.
