About Dahlia Bulbs
Is it a bulb? Is it a root? No, it’s a tuber! Commonly referred to as “bulbs” Dahlia tubers store food for the growing season that cluster together at the bottom of a stem. Dahlia tubers can have several growing points called eyes, and can get bigger each year making more growing points. Dahlias are easy to grow, put on an amazing show all summer long, and we’re proud to offer one of the largest selections anywhere!
When to Plant Dahlia Bulbs
Unlike other bulbs such as tulips, dahlias like warm soils so plant dahlia bulbs during the warmer and longer days of spring. Dahlias are usually planted about the same time you would plant your vegetable patch. Dahlia bulbs can be planted as late as mid-June in most parts of the country.
Where to Plant Dahlia Bulbs
Dahlias will thrive in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade—usually the more sun, the bigger the flowers. Try to select a location that receives at least six hours of sun sheltered from the wind and with very good drainage. Dahlias require soil amending such as deep tilling and adding compost. You’ll want to ensure the soil is loamy and well draining. Dahlia’s are heavy feeders! To encourage vigorous plants and healthy blooms, apply fertilizer at the time of planting or during the growing the season. Dahlia’s do not require a high Nitrogen fertilizer but one higher in Phosphorus and Potassium. Check your fertilizer bag for a 5-10-10 for the best option.
How to Plant Dahlia Bulbs
Dig a hole twice as deep and wide as the Dahlia bulb. Put the tuber in the hole with the “eye” on the tuber facing up. The eye is the point on the shoulder, or crown, of the tuber from which the plant grows. If you are planting a number of dahlias in the same location, they should be separated by about 2 feet to give each plant room to grow. The shorter varieties can be planted closer together. Plan for the rows to be 3 to 5 feet apart depending on the size of the plant. Fill in with soil to just cover the top of the bulb. As you begin to see new growth appear, cover again with soil. Covering the stem gradually will allow the stem to strengthen so it can support the flowers. Unless it is a very dry spring, it is not be necessary to water at the time of planting. The tubers will begin growing with the warmth and moisture in the soil. It is vital that they form a root system early in their planted life to assure a strong and healthy plant. Watering at the time of planting may encourage rot but as soon as your dahlias are growing above the ground, water deeply to encourage strong roots.
How to Care for Dahlias
Young dahlia plants do not need a lot of water, excessive water can lead to rotting of the plant. For larger plants, a good rule of thumb is to water if the rainfall is less than one inch in seven days. Pots require more regular watering. As the plant grows, remove any broken or damaged foliage. Good air circulation, especially near the ground is needed by the plants to prevent powdery mildew. Once the plants are several feet high the lower leaves can be removed to increase air circulation. Your dahlias will continue to bloom prolifically right up until frost. A heavy frost will kill the plant so you may want to dig the half a dozen or more tubers the plant has produced. Those tubers can then be stored and grown next spring! Be sure to pinch younger growth to encourage a bushier plant and ultimately create a sturdier plant with more blooms. Remove spent flowers to give nutrients and space for even more blooms to come!
