A La Mode Dahlia Tuber

Plant dahlia tubers in late spring when soil temperatures have reached 60 degrees. Frost will kill the plants, so plan to plant around your last frost date. In the Northeast, the window for planting is from around mid-May to mid-June.

Dahlias thrive in sunny locations with well drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole that will accommodate the entire tuber clump, about 6" deep and 6" wide. Plant tuber clump with the "crown" up, just at the surface so all the tubers are beneath. If planting multiple tubers, space at least 12-18" apart. Do not begin watering until the plants emerge. After that, make sure they are watered well 1-2 times per week.

In Northern zones with shorter seasons, you can get a jump start by starting dahlias indoors in large pots 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost. Transplant after threat of frost has passed to spacing indicated above. Transplants will need to be watered in.

Dahlias reach up to 42" high and might need staking to keep the blooms upright.

Dahlias will not overwinter in zones below 8. After the first killing frost, gently dig up tubers and store in peat moss in a cool, frost-free place (40-50 degrees is ideal) until the next planting season.