Wondering how to plant dahlia tubers? Good news! Planting dahlia bulbs is simple, yet rewarding.
Easy-to-grow dahlia flowers bloom year after year, filling your landscape with stunning color and texture. These beautiful flowers grow in a rainbow of hues and wide variety of shapes that transform your garden from mid-summer through autumn.
Best of all, planting dahlia bulbs is easy. Read on to learn everything you need to know about planting dahlia tubers.
How to Plant Dahlia Tubers in Your Garden
Let's start with timing, as you may be wondering when to plant dahlia bulbs. The best time to plant dahlia tubers is in the spring, after the danger of the last frost has passed.
In many regions, the perfect time to plant dahlia bulbs falls between mid-April and early June. You can check your region's specific last frost date to be sure. As a general rule, stop planting dahlia tubers after mid-June.
When you plant dahlia bulbs, the ground temperature should be at least 60 degrees F. Dahlia tubers don't like cold soil, so planting them too early means they may struggle to grow.
Once you've determined that the soil is warm enough, loosen the soil in your planting site. If the soil is heavy or clay, amend it with sand, aged manure or peat moss. This will help lighten the soil, so it can drain properly.
Now that the soil is prepared, it's time to dig holes for your dahlia. How deep should you plant dahlias? Dig holes in the soil about four to five inches deep.
Place the tubers in the hole with the points (or eyes) facing up. Cover the tubers with 1 to 3 inches of soil. As the tubers sprout, you can continue adding soil up to ground level.
Don't water the tubers when you plant them, unless it's very hot and dry. Wait until you can see sprouts above the soil surface before watering. You don't need to fertilize when planting tubers, either.
Do You Soak Dahlia Tubers Before Planting?
Generally, dahlia tubers do not need to soak before planting. However, if they appear dried out and shriveled, you may want to soak them in a bucket of tepid water for one hour before planting.
Where Should I Plant Dahlias?
Choosing the right site for dahlia tubers will help flowers bloom and thrive. Dahlias grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. As plants can grow to be several feet tall, select a planting spot that offers protection from the wind.
Start with the soil. Dahlias prefer rich, well-drained, loosened soil. Aim for a slightly acidic pH level of around 6.5 to 7.
Be sure to choose a site with optimal sun exposure. Dahlia flowers grow best when they receive at least six to eight hours of sun per day. Morning exposure is best, so pick a site with full sun exposure for the brightest blooms on your plants.
Can I Plant Multiple Dahlias in One Area?
Planting multiple dahlias in one area creates a beautiful floral display of blooms from mid-summer though fall. If you're growing large dahlia plants or growing dahlias for cut flowers, you may want to set aside a dedicated area of your garden just for dahlias.
This reduces competition from other landscape plants. However, smaller dahlias can be grown in borders and mixed in with other flowering plants.
Either way, provide dahlias with enough space when planting dahlia bulbs. Leave at least 1 to 2 feet between each small dahlia plant, and at least 3 feet between each large dahlia plant.
Starting Dahlias in Pots
If you want to get a head start on your dahlias, plant bulbs indoors in pots. Start planting about a month before outdoor planting time.
Choose large containers so your dahlias have plenty of room to grow. Fill containers with rich soil amended with compost.
The planting method is the same; dig a hole in the soil about four to five inches deep. Place the dahlia tubers in the holes with eyes up, and cover with a few inches of soil.
You'll see sprouts within a few weeks. The plants should be ready to go into the ground after the danger of the last frost has passed, giving you a great start on your summer blooms.
Planting dahlia tubers is as simple as it is rewarding. These easy-to-grow plants offer a profusion of colorful blooms and late-summer garden interest.
