Dahlia Growing Tips

Dahlias may look exotic, but in terms of care they are similar to other tuber or bulb flowers. Dahlia is a tuberous plant that blooms in summer, therefore tubers should be planted in spring, when frost is no longer expected at night.

Location and soil. The more sun dahlias receive, the more beautifully they will grow and bloom. Choose a sunny location. Dahlias require fertile, humus-rich soil with good drainage. For each tuber, dig a hole about 30 cm in diameter and add compost or other fertile soil. Excessively wet soil is unsuitable, as tubers may begin to rot.

Planting dahlias. From mid-May to late May, when frost is no longer expected, plant the tubers outdoors in the garden. Plant them shallowly, covering with only a thin layer of soil. Smaller divided tubers can be planted closer together, while larger clumps should be spaced further apart. Depending on the variety and tuber size, spacing between plants should be 20–70 cm.

Tubers can also be started in pots indoors in early spring (March/April). This allows them to sprout earlier, so after the last frost they can be transplanted outdoors as sprouted tubers or small plants. When transplanting from pots in mid- to late May, plant at the same depth as they were growing in the pot.

Dahlia care. In early growth stages, if unexpected frost occurs, protect young shoots with frost cover. Young shoots are also attractive to slugs, so protection may be necessary.

Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, especially during flowering. Moist, but not overly wet. Taller varieties with large blooms may require support. The more flowers you cut, the more it encourages new buds and continued blooming.

Tip: When plants reach about 20 cm in height, you can pinch the growing tip. This encourages branching and results in more flowers.

Lifting dahlia tubers. Dahlias originate from Mexico, where tubers remain in the ground over winter because the soil does not freeze. In colder climates such as Latvia, the soil freezes, so tubers must be lifted in autumn and stored at above-freezing temperatures. Tubers are usually lifted from mid-October to late October. A good indicator is when the plant turns brown and dies back. The safest time is about one week after the first serious frost. It is better to lift later rather than too early, as immature tubers are more likely to rot during storage.

Tip: Ideally, choose a dry, sunny period without rain. Cut the stems and leave the tubers in the ground for at least 7 days before lifting. This helps stimulate the formation of new growth buds.

Lift tubers carefully to avoid damage. If damaged, remove the affected part, as it may rot during storage. Cut stems, leaving about 15 cm of neck attached. Remove excess soil and rinse with water, then shorten long roots slightly. After washing, damaged tubers can be identified and discarded.

Dividing dahlia tubers. Examine the tubers and identify the growth buds. Use a sharp knife and ensure each division has at least one bud. New stems will grow from these buds in spring. If buds are difficult to see in autumn, division can be done in spring when they are more visible.

Storing dahlia tubers. Allow tubers to dry for several days in a greenhouse, room, or other well-ventilated space. Avoid direct sunlight.

Store tubers in cardboard boxes, baskets, or paper bags. They can be covered with slightly moist sand. Store in a dark place with good air circulation at a temperature of 4–9°C.

During winter, check tubers periodically to ensure they remain healthy and do not rot.

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