Pick a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight, the sunnier the better, dahlias like sun!

Dig a hole 4-6” deep (you can also amend with a light dusting of bonemeal, but this is not necessary).

Place the tuber horizontally with the eye or sprout pointing up.

Cover with dirt.

Allow at least 12” of space between plants as they can get quite large

Do not water until you see the sprouts poke through the ground (watering before this point can cause rot). 

Once you see the first signs of growth emerge through the soil frequent watering is important for the healthiest plants.

To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, pinch or snip the top 3-4” off the top of the plant when it is around 12” high, leaving at least 3-4 sets of leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce lateral shoots resulting in more blooms throughout the season.

Some varieties can grow over 4 feet tall and staking or supporting this growth allow for more controlled growth

Be sure to deadhead to keep the blooms coming all season long.

Dahlia tubers will not survive a winter where the ground freezes (typically zones 3-7). As a result, tubers need to be dug up and stored over the winter then (divided if you choose to) planted again the following spring. See our process for digging in dividing below