Dahlia Care
Inspection and storage
When you receive your order, inspect your tubers and notify me of any concerns.
Store tubers in their packaging in a cool dry place until they are ready to plant. If the bag shows any condensation on it, open the bag up for aeration. Do not allow the tubers to freeze.
Planting
After the threat of frost has passed, when soil temperatures are at minimum 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it is safe to plant.
Choose an area where your dahlias will get at least 6 hours of full sun per day. The soil should be well draining. Amend the soil with sand, peat moss, and/or bagged steer manure as necessary for proper drainage and nutrients.
Plant your dahlia tuber approximately 4-6” deep and wide. Lay the tuber horizontally in the hole with the eye pointing upward and cover with soil. Each tuber should be 12-18” apart from each other.
Watering and fertilizer
If your soil is slightly moist, no water is necessary until you see growth coming up out of the ground. If your soil is bone dry, water lightly after planting so there is a slight bit of moisture in the soil. Once your dahlia has sprouted and is 6 inches high or so, begin watering regularly.
Dahlias prefer a thorough deep watering to shallow frequent waterings.
Fertilize with a low nitrogen fertilizer once or twice a month for best results.
As your dahlia grows, it will need to be staked with a metal or wood support that’s about 5’ tall to keep it safe from falling or blowing over.
Digging and Storing
In the fall your tubers will need to be dug up and stored for the winter in order to survive (unless you live in a warm year-round location). Once the dahlias have had their first killing frost, they can be dug up and stored in a cool location between 40-50 degrees for the winter. Please sign up to my newsletter for care tips for digging and storing as we get closer to fall!
