Learn the simple steps to plant and care for dahlia tubers to ensure a vibrant and colorful summer garden!
Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun with well-drained soil. Dahlias love to grow in loamy, fertile soil with good drainage and are not fans of heavy clay soils.
You can also amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, or well-rotted manure, to improve its drainage and fertility. It’s also a good idea to add some leaf mold to help with moisture retention.
When planting dahlia bulbs, dig a hole that is about 4-6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the tuber.
Place the dahlia tuber with the “eyes” facing upwards in the hole and cover it with soil. If you are planting several tubers, space them about 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.
When you are finished planting, water the tubers well.
When to Plant Dahlia BulbsThe perfect time to plant dahlias is a bit of a dance with nature, largely depending on your local climate. Post-frost, when the soil warms to about 60°F, is generally your green light.
This usually means late spring to early summer for most gardeners. For those in gardening zones 7 and up, mid-April to early May is ideal, while zones 6 and below might wait until May or early June depending on your climate.
Follow along to learn more about planting dahlias.