Dahlia Care Instructions

Dahlias are beautiful summer blooming flowers that have fleshy rooting structures called tubers. These tubers can be dug up at the end of the season for blooms year after year. 

Starting Plants via Tubers

• Plant your tubers outside when ground temperatures reach 60 degrees F. This is going to be close to the time that you plant tomatoes. Plant your tuber 4 to 6 inches underground.
• Tubers can also be started earlier in indoors. Pot the tubers up, and place them in a warm sunny spot. Don't forget to water!
• If needed, divide your tubers before planting.

Caring for Your Dahlias

• Dahlia plants purchased from a garden center, or started indoors can be planted at the same time as other annuals.
• Use pruners to deadhead your plants throughout the season. If a plant is getting too tall, trim the main stem back to encourage lateral growth. 
• Fertilize with a high phosphorus fertlizer to encourage growth.

Storing Tubers

• As it begins to get cooler, prep a cool, dry space to store your tubers for the winter.
• When the foliage on your dahlias begin to die off, cut back the plant and dig up the tubers. Shake off any excess soil.
• Let your tubers dry off before storage. Place them in a bag or container where they can breathe. Paper bags are great for this!