Find out exactly when and how to plant dahlia tubers to get them off to a strong start.
Dahlias are not very cold hardy, and planting tubers outdoors too early can prove fatal to them.
Dahlias are usually planted in cool areas in May through mid-June or when the soil temperature is above 60F.
Credit:Laurie Black
A good rule of thumb is to plant dahlias around the same time youplant tomatoes in your garden.
To start, choose a planting spot that receives at leastsix to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
see to it the growing location drains well and is protected from strong winds.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
If your garden soil drains poorly, keep dahlias in raised beds to avoid issues with root rot.
Dahlias grow best in rich, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Its usually a good idea totest your soilbefore planting dahlias and adjust the soil accordingly.
Tubers with visible growth or small pink eyes or buds are healthy and ready to plant.
Unlike potatoes, dahlia tubers should not be broken or cut apart before planting.
Dig holes and install supports.
Adding a handful ofbone mealto planting holes provides dahlias with extra calcium and phosphorous for healthy root development.
Plant dahlia tubers in soil.
After planting, dont water until the dahlias tubers sprout above ground.
Watering dahlia tubers too early can cause them to rot in the soil.
Water and attach stems to supports.
