Storage & Planting Info

What to do with your tubers before planting.

Your tubers have been kept all winter long in storage that has maintain a consistant 50 degrees tempertaure.  If Dahlia tubers are kept too warm, they will wrinkle and shrivel (dehydrate) and try to grow (sprouting). If the tubers are too cold, they will freeze and rot.

Leave the bags open and store them in a cool, dry place until you no longer have freezing temperatures at night and are ready to plant outside. A closet or garage area works great for storage. Your new tubers have been in 68 degree temps waking up while in my care.  Do not leave them in an area that is below 40°. If they freeze they will die. 
Dahlias do best when planted in soil that is an average of 60° Fahrenheit. Plant your tubers 4-5 inches deep with the sprout or eye facing up. If you do not see the sprout or accidentally plant the tuber with the sprout facing down, do not worry. The sprout will naturally reach up towards the sun and warmth. 
Should the growing sprout break before planting, do not worry. Dahlias have a strong will to survive. If the main stem breaks, the tuber will produce 4 or 5 new sprouts, which is a common occurrence.

 

After planting tubers, refrain from watering until sprouts emerge. Excessive moisture prior to root growth can lead to decay and death. Avoid planting in excessively moist soil. Excess water is detrimental when planting new tubers. 

Dahlias are truly a delightful addition to any garden, known for their vibrant colors and stunning shapes. If you're looking to maximize the beauty of your dahlias, one effective technique you might want to consider is "pinching." This simple process can help your dahlias thrive and produce more blooms, creating a fuller and more lush display.

So, what exactly is pinching? It’s the practice of removing the main growing stem of the dahlia plant after it has developed 4 or 5 sets of leaves. By doing this, you’re encouraging the plant to redirect its energy towards the lateral sprouts. This not only results in a bushier plant but also increases the number of blooms you can expect to see throughout the growing season.

Here’s how to do it: Start by observing your dahlia plants as they grow. Once you notice that they have reached about 12 inches in height and have developed 4 to 5 sets of leaves, it’s time to pinch! Using your fingers or a pair of clean garden shears, carefully remove the top portion of the main stem just above the last set of leaves. Be gentle to avoid damaging the surrounding leaves or stems.

After pinching, you’ll notice that your dahlia plants will begin to grow more lateral shoots. These shoots will develop into new stems, which will eventually produce beautiful blooms. It’s a rewarding process that not only enhances the aesthetics of your garden but also promotes the overall health of your plants.

Remember, pinching is just one part of caring for your dahlias. Make sure to provide them with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to ensure they flourish. With a little patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display of flowers that will bring joy to your garden and home.

 Happy gardening!