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Dahlia bulbs when to plant


How to Plant Dahlia Bulbs in Your Garden

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.

How To Plant Dahlia Tubers

A Beginner’s Step By Step Guide For Planting Dahlia Tubers

A tray full of various dahlia tuber ready to be planted in the garden.

Have you just purchased dahlia bulbs and now you find yourself wondering now ‘how do I plant dahlia tubers?’ Well, you’ve come to the right spot! In today’s post I’m going to teach you how to easily prepare and plant your dahlia tubers so that you have gorgeous dahlia flowers this summer! This beginner friendly, step by step dahlia tuber planting tutorial will help you to grow dahlia flowers this summer.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you in advance for your support of my blog!

Close-up of a Castle Drive Small Dahlia growing in our flower field.

1 A Beginner’s Step By Step Guide For Planting Dahlia Tubers

1.1 A Love For Growing Dahlias

2 When To Plant Dahlias

3 Where to Plant Dahlia Tubers

3.1 Does Soil Type Matter For Dahlias

4 Can Dahlias Grow In Containers

4.1 Growing Dahlias in Pots

5 How Far Apart Do You Plant Dahlia Tubers

6 How Deep To Plant Dahlias

6.1 Slugs love dahlia tubers

7 When Should I Water My Dahlia Plants

8 Time To Get Growing Your Own Dahlias

8.1 How To Plant & Grow Dahlias

8.2 Get in the know.

8.2.1 More Dahlia Posts You Might Enjoy:

8.3 A Beginner’s Guide To Growing Dahlias

8.4 Growing Dahlias From Seed

8.5 5 Steps To Divide Dahlia Tubers

8.6 Share this:

8.7 Like this:

A Love For Growing Dahlias

I fell in love with dahlia flowers at a very young age. Growing up I remember seeing all the beautiful dahlias grown in my uncle’s garden. When we would visit, there would be gorgeous flower bouquets throughout the house.

I also remember my mother growing quite a few dahlia plants in our yard. She would put the large dinner plate dahlias in vases in our kitchen. I always dreamed of having my own dahlia plants where I could have fresh cut flowers in my home.

Jennifer from The Flowering Farmhouse holding freshly cut dahlia flowers from her cutting garden in 2015.

Fast forward to my adult life and in 2014, I finally started growing my own dahlia tubers. In 2014 my husband and I bought a house that finally had space for a small garden! I couldn’t wait to start planting dahlias.

At first I learned the hard way that you just can’t plant dahlia tubers anywhere. Dahlias need to be planted in specific locations in order to grow big and healthy plants. Do not be intimidated by growing dahlias. If you follow these simple steps below, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to successfully plant dahlia tubers in your own garden.

When To Plant Dahlias

To get started, you need to know when to safely plant dahlias outside. This varies from growing zone to growing zone. While it can be tempting to get an early start on growing dahlias, your dahlia tubers should not be planted until the ground has warmed and all dangers of frost have passed. The ground temperature should be above 60 degrees before planting out your dahlia tubers. Depending upon your growing season, most areas can plant dahlia tubers outside around mid April through May. 

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Finder lets you check your last average frost date for your growing zone.

You can use the USDA Hardiness Zone Finder to check when your last average frost date is for your growing zone. As a general rule, this will tell you when it’s safe to plant out your dahlias. Of course, be sure to also check your local forecast for any late forecasted frosts. I typically wait a week or two after our last frost date before planting out in the garden.

Where to Plant Dahlia Tubers

This is where I grew dahlia tubers in 2019. I experimented using a weed barrier cloth around the dahlia plants. I would not recommend this for dahlias.

Knowing where to plant dahlia tubers is important if you want to have big, gorgeous blooms this summer. Dahlia tubers need to be planted in a sunny site that receives at least 8 hours of full sunshine per day. If you are located in a hot climate, find a spot where your dahlias will have morning sun and afternoon shade.

Does Soil Type Matter For Dahlias 

Soil type matters if you want to grow healthy dahlias. Your dahlia tubers will also benefit from being planted in well drained, sandy soil. If you do not know the fertility of your soil, I recommend getting a soil test. A soil test will provide you with important information so you can amend your soil accordingly. Doing so will reward you with more dahlia flowers this summer. Dahlias do best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.

In 2020 we amended our field with good soil. We grew some of the biggest and healthiest dahlia plants we’ve ever grown! Starting with good soil is the foundation for beautiful dahlia flowers.

If your soil is too heavy, you can also amend your soil with sand, peat moss, or compost to improve soil drainage. For small areas you can find these soil amendments at your local nursery or home goods store. It is important though to not add any soil mixes that have additives or fertilizers.

Can Dahlias Grow In Containers

Growing dahlias in containers is typically not recommended unless you are growing dwarf varieties.

Can I grow my dahlias in containers? Typically growing dahlias in containers is not recommended. The best dahlias to grow in containers are dwarf dahlias and low growing varieties. If you do choose to grow dahlia plants in containers, the containers should be at a minimum 15’’ wide by 15’’ deep. You will want to use a mix of garden soil, potting soil (without any additives) and peat moss.

Growing Dahlias in Pots

Dahlias grown in containers or pots need frequent watering once they have sprouted. Be careful though to not overwater them as too much water will cause the tubers to rot. You will also want to regularly fertilize your container dahlias to make sure they continue producing beautiful dahlia flowers throughout the season.

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How Far Apart Do You Plant Dahlia Tubers

Dahlia tubers laying in the ground, ready to be covered up with soil. The ideal planting distance for dahlias is 12-18 inches apart.

Next, you need to know how far apart to plant your dahlia tubers. Most dahlia tubers need to be spaced at least 12-18 inches apart. This allows for air flow to move freely through your dahlia plant. If your dahlias are spaced too closely together, air can not flow through and you will be more likely to have pest or fungal problems on your dahlia plants.

How Deep To Plant Dahlias

When it’s time to plant your dahlias, begin by making a hole that is 4-6 inches deep. Once you dig the hole, mix in a small handful of bone meal. This will provide important nourishments for your growing dahlia plant.

Bone meal ready to be mixed into soil.

Next, it’s time to put your tubers in the dirt. Begin by placing your dahlia tuber on it’s side with the eye of the dahlia tuber facing up. Gently cover up the dahlia tuber with soil. Now the waiting game begins. Some dahlia tubers can take as long as 4 weeks before you see sprouts above the ground.

Slugs love dahlia tubers

It’s important to note that snails and slugs both LOVE dahlias. After covering up your dahlia tubers, sprinkle a light dusting of snail & slug bait around the area. I like to use Sluggo to keep the slugs away from my dahlia plants. There’s nothing worse than finding your new, tender dahlia sprouts have been munched on by slugs.

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When Should I Water My Dahlia Plants

Dahlia plants that have recently emerged from the ground. These dahlias have their first true set of leaves and can now be safely watered.

How often you will need to water your dahlias depends a lot on where you are growing your dahlias. Most soil has enough moisture that you do not need to water your dahlias until the first set of true leaves appear on your plant. Watering too soon can cause the dahlia tubers to rot. 

Once your dahlia plants have sprouted their first set of leaves, you should give your plants a deep watering 3-4 times per week. I prefer to use a drip line to provide a good, long soak. With a drip line, I water my dahlias for about 30-60 minutes each time.

Time To Get Growing Your Own Dahlias

Alright, it’s time to get started growing your own dahlias for your cutting garden! Hopefully after reading this post, you feel more prepared and confident in planting your dahlia tubers. Below you’ll find a FREE printable step by step guide that I’ve created to help you plant your dahlia tubers.

How To Plant & Grow Dahlias

 

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planting dahlia tubers!

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Have you grown dahlias before? Do you have any questions about growing dahlia flowers? If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. As you get more comfortable in growing dahlias, you may even enjoy my blog post How to grow dahlias from seed! And if you found this guide helpful, please take a moment to PIN any of the images from this post to Pinterest.

Happy Gardening!

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More Dahlia Posts You Might Enjoy:

A beginner’s guide to growing dahlias. Everything you need to know to successfully plant, grow, and care for your dahlia flowers in your garden.

Continue Reading A Beginner’s Guide To Growing Dahlias

Growing dahlias from seed is very different from growing dahlias from tubers. When you grow dahlia flowers from seed, no two plants will ever be the same!

Continue Reading Growing Dahlias From Seed

If you’re new to dahlias or you’ve never dug up your dahlia tubers before, this post will help you with five steps to divide your dahlia tubers for next season.

Continue Reading 5 Steps To Divide Dahlia Tubers

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When and how to plant dahlia tubers outdoors

If the rose is considered the "Queen" of flowers in many countries, then the dahlia is without a doubt their "King". Very few ornamental plants can boast such a wealth of shapes, sizes and colors!

In addition, the dahlia is very undemanding. Content with the most minimal care, he pleases the gardener with his bright, lush flowering from early July until late autumn.

About the history of the appearance of the dahlia, how to care for it, how to dig it up and store it in the winter, we have already told in our article: "How to grow dahlias".

In this article we will tell you when and how to plant dahlias in spring. In addition, we will tell you the best varieties of the numerous species of this regal flower.

COMMON TYPES OF DAHALHINS FOR THE NORTHERN AND CENTRAL REGIONS

The timing of planting and preparation of dahlia tubers depend on their type. Most often, Russian gardeners choose the following:

Large-flowered. In height they grow up to 80 cm, and the diameter of the flowers of the newest varieties can reach 30 cm!

Decorative . These are large bushes up to 1 m high with numerous flowers up to 25 cm in diameter. This species is distinguished by the richest palette of colors and variety of forms.

Cactus . The tallest bushes - can grow up to 1.5 m. Flowers with a diameter of up to 20 cm are distinguished by the most bizarre shapes and unusual colors.

Pompoms . Plant height - 80 - 90 cm, diameter of flowers - up to 15 cm. Flowers of bright, saturated colors look like mesh balls. They look very beautiful and last a long time in a vase after cutting.

Semi-cactus . Tall, sprawling bushes (up to 1.2 m) are covered with holly, bright flowers, up to 18 cm in diameter and a variety of one-, two- and three-color colors.

Miniature . The most elegant dahlias, up to 40 cm high, are literally strewn with large flowers, up to 15 cm in diameter. They bloom earlier than others and do not crumble during the first winter frosts.

WHEN TO PLANT DAHALAHS

Planting time for dahlias depends on the region where you live. The main condition is that the earth should warm up well, because the plant is a tuberous plant.

In the Middle lane, North-West region, dahlias are planted in the third decade of May. If the spring turned out to be early and warm, then it can be a week earlier. However, when return frosts appear, a flower bed with dahlias should be covered with a non-woven covering material.

If you come to the dacha only on weekends, then it is better to move the planting date to June 25-27. After May 25, spring frosts usually stop.

In the Urals and Siberia, the spring is later and more humid. Therefore, dahlias are planted there in late June - early July. And it’s better to first germinate them in a pot, and plant the seedlings in a permanent place after July 10.

In the southern regions of the country, dahlias are usually planted in April, as the land there quickly dries up and loses moisture. Therefore, it is impossible to be late with the deadlines.

All varieties of dahlias that tolerate cold climates will grow well in the south. This is a versatile and very unpretentious flower.

HOW TO PLANT DAHALHINS FOR EARLY FLOWERING

If you bought tubers in March-April, you can germinate them in advance and get early lush blooms. To do this, fill some container (box or basin) with a moist substrate, consisting of purchased soil for flower seedlings, sand and sawdust in equal amounts.

Make drainage holes in the container to drain excess water and build some kind of drip tray.

Wet the substrate well and place the dahlia tubers in it, sprinkling them with a 10 cm layer of soil. Place the container in a warm place and cover with a transparent film on top.

Very soon the plants will grow. After the first shoots appear, move the box to the window. Water your plants regularly. At the end of May, transplant them into a flower bed.

This planting of germinated dahlias will ensure that they bloom 2 to 3 weeks earlier.

PREPARATION OF DAHALH TUBES FOR SPRING PLANTING

All gardeners know how to plant dahlias, but not everyone correctly understands how to prepare them for this operation.

Before planting, we recommend treating even healthy tubers in three different solutions, dipping them there sequentially and holding for 30 minutes.

First, treat the dahlias with a pink solution of potassium permanganate, then with Fitosporin M, and finally, dip them into the Zircon solution.

The first two preparations will disinfect the tubers from any bacteria and pathogens of fungal diseases. The third - will accelerate the process of germination of sprouts on the tuber.

Then place the tubers on a dry, clean cloth or paper and let dry. After that, you can start landing.

HOW TO PLANT DAHALAHS CORRECTLY

Dahlias like quiet, sunny places with light shade during the midday hours, well protected from wind and drafts. But if the plants are exposed to the sun less than 6 hours a day, then they may not form buds.

Dahlias prefer loose, fertile soils with a neutral reaction. It is better to choose “native” soil from the planting pits and fill them with a soil mixture composed of a fertile layer, compost, sand and leafy soil.

Add phosphorus-potassium fertilizer, wood ash (1 bucket for 4 plants) and a glass of dolomite flour (in acidic soils) to each hole.

Dig planting holes with a depth equal to the diameter of the bulb plus 10 cm. Of these, 5 cm is a drainage layer of coarse sand or perlite, which is laid on the bottom of the hole.

Distances between plants depend on the species and variety. Low-growing dahlias are planted at a distance of 40 cm from each other, tall ones - 70 cm.

Mulch the flower bed well with sawdust or freshly cut grass. The mulch will retain moisture in the soil and discourage weed growth.

For more information on how to care for dahlias, when and how to dig them up and store them, see our aforementioned article "How to Grow Dahlias".

THE BEST DAHELHIN VARIETIES FROM OUR COLLECTION

Now that we have told you in detail when and how to plant dahlias, it remains to choose the most beautiful types and varieties. We can help you with this.

We offer you the best and most popular varieties of dahlias from our collection.

LARGEFLOWERS:

Latest innovations: Avignon, Sir Alf Ramsey, Arthur Humbley, Almond Joy, Big Brother.

Our collection: Vancouver, Flood Light, Sensation by Otto, Fleur, Spartacus.

DECORATIVE: Passionate, Mero Constellation, Gypsy Girl, Tartan, Cream Peach.

POMPON: Sunny boy, Lipoma.

CACTUS: Freequolet, Aloha, Silent Folly.

SEMI-CACTUS: Firebird, Favorite, Kennemer.

MINIATURE: Salvador, Pablo, Riviera.

You can buy all these dahlias from us right now. We have no doubt that they will bring you many pleasant moments and decorate your garden in an unusual way!

Growing dahlias from tubers is a fairly simple and affordable process for every grower, so even beginners do not have to worry, as can be seen in the video below. It provides simple and understandable information for everyone, so that anyone can please themselves and loved ones with beautiful lush flowers in the middle and end of summer, when other plants can no longer boast of such violent and abundant flowering.

When and how to plant dahlia tubers in the spring of 2023 step by step with photos, planting dates by region

Dahlias are very popular with gardeners and in many areas you can see large flower beds with these beautiful flowers. However, it is not always possible to wait for them to bloom. This is explained by errors in the storage of tubers, as well as non-compliance with the terms and rules when planting them. When and how correctly, to what depth to plant dahlias with tubers in the spring is the topic of our article.

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