Tuber Care and Planting

Receiving Your Dahlia Tubers 

When you open your box of new dahlia tubers, you will find the packing slip inside with the names of each dahlia variety.  Beside the name is a number.  That number will correspond with the number stamped on each tuber so you can tell which tuber is which variety.  

Our dahlia tubers are stored in a cold room.  They may take a week to a few weeks for eyes to start sprouting.  They should be nice and firm.  

Please note that dahlia tubers come in all shapes and sizes.  As long as they are firm, have a neck, crown and an eye, they will grow.  It’s also normal for tubers to have a few wrinkles here and there.  

You have a couple options for your tubers until planting time.  You can plant them in pots of dirt so they get a head start on growing or you can keep them in the box they came in with the vermiculite and store them in a cool dry place.  If you choose to keep them in the box, please make sure they don’t dry out.  You may need to store them in a box with a lid.  Just check them often.  Your safest bet is to put them in pots or a growing tray with dirt.  Spritz them with water so that they don’t dry out.  They will also need a little light after they sprout so place them  under grow lights or in a bright window.  

Planting Tubers

Its time to plant your tubers when soil temperatures are at about 15 degrees Celsius.  If there is any chance of frost, wait to plant until the threat has past.  If you like, you can plant your tubers in pots indoors so that they can get a head start. 

Pick a sunny spot with nice loose soil that drains well.  If your soil has a lot of clay, its best to amend with wood chips, compost, sand, and organic matter.  

Plant your dahlias 6 inches deep and at least 12 inches apart.  In each hole, its best to add a small handful of fertilizer or worm castings.  

Your dahlia plants will require staking as they get larger.  We use a corral method to keep our dahlias from falling over, but you can also use bamboo stakes or large tomato cages.