Dahlia Care

Dahlia plants will grow from the eye on the crown of the tuber. Some varieties will form eyes in 14 days of warming up and others may take up to six weeks. If you have trouble finding an eye, your tuber is most likely still dormant. Certain varieties take a long time to eye up.  If you notice an eye fell off a tuber in shipping, the tuber will send up a new one. 

Once you receive your tubers please make sure that your tubers stay in a cool and consistent environment, between 45-50 degrees. Changes in temperature can cause condensation in bags. If you notice condensation in the bag, open the bag until it is gone. 

When you are ready to plant choose a location that has at least 6 hours of direct sun and well drained, fertile soil. Plant after the first threat of frost has passed. Dig a hole about 4-6" deep and wide enough to accommodate the tuber. Place the tuber in the hole with the eyes at the top and back fill the hole gently. DO NOT WATER after planting, unless the soil is very dry. Too much water can cause the tuber to rot. You may want to check the weather and avoid planting right before a heavy storm. Once the plants have sprouted you may begin watering regularly. 

When the central stem reaches 12-18", cut it back by 3-4". This is called "pinching" it signals the plant to branch and produce more blooms. Plants begin to bloom about 6-10 weeks after planting and produce heavily until the first killing frost of the season.