Dahlia Information

Dahlia Planting Times

Dahlias should be planted when the ground temperature is 60 degrees or warmer.  Planting times will vary depending on what zone you are in.

Where To Plant Your Dahlias

Dahlias love sun!  The more sun they have the more blooms they will have.  It is recommended that they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.

Soil Preparation

Dahlias enjoy warm, well-drained soil.  If you have heavier soil it is best to amend it with sand or peat moss.  If you add compost to your dahlia beds be careful as to not use to much because many composts are high in Nitrogen which will produce tall spindly plants and very small blooms. 

Planting

Dig a hole 4-6 inches deep and lay the tuber in it horizontally on it’s side and cover with soil.  If your tuber does have sprouts that are longer than 2-3 inches trim them to a length of 1 inch.  Plant your dahlias 12-24 inches apart.  I typically add a small amount of bone meal in the bottom of each planting hole.  In most areas unless you are in a very warm climate dahlia do not need to be watered at the time of planting.  Once the dahlias are above ground they require deep watering 2-3 times per week.

Fertilizing

If you fertilize, use a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.  AVOID all high nitrogen fertilizers because this will produce spindly plants with small blooms and tubers that are more prone to rot while in storage.

Lifting Tubers

You should lift your tubers 2 weeks after a killing frost.  When the plants turn brown and black (in cold climates) it is time to dig.