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Lushdahliasare one of the most delightful summer sights in the garden.
Want to know exactly when to put your dahlia tubers in the ground for summer blooms?
Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about when and how to properly plant dahlias.
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When you plant your dahlias will also determine when you get your summer bloom.
founder and co-owner of Stone Hollow Farmstead, explains that dahlia tubers typically need 90 days to produce blooms.
If you plant them on May 1, that means your garden will put on a show in August.
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She adds compost to her soil in the fall to get it ready for spring planting.
If soil testing isn’t realistic, Stone says not to worry.
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Because they’re often top heavy, dahlias need to be staked.
Stone recommends staking the dahlias immediately upon planting so you don’t damaging a growing tuber.
One they’re in the ground, forget them for a bit.
Young dahlias, which should pop up in two to four weeks, thrive on neglect.
“Too much water will rot the tubers.”
“You want to verify they are firm and not mushy.
Because these diseases are incurable, throw away these tubersand any others that touched themimmediately.
Keep an eye on the weather, and plan todig up your dahliasapproximately two weeks after the first frost.
Cut the dead portions off the plant, and prune them to four to six inches above the ground.
Loosen the soil around the plant and lift out the tuber.
Beforestoring tubers for the winter, clean them, remove all rotted areas, and divide the tubers.
Store them in a cool, dark area that is above freezing but below 50F.
double-check they do not dry out completely over the winter.
