Important Info

We want you to feel confident and excited about growing dahlias. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about receiving, planting, and caring for your tubers so they reward you with beautiful blooms all season long.

About Dahlia Tubers

- Dahlia tubers come in many shapes, sizes, and forms. Some are long and thin, others plump and round. Don’t worry – the size of the tuber has no bearing on how well it will grow or how many flowers it will produce.

- Each tuber contains all the stored energy it needs to grow into a strong, healthy plant when planted at the right time.

When You Receive Your Tuber

Carefully unpack your tuber and check that it looks firm and healthy.

- Store it in a cool, dry, dark place until you’re ready to plant.

- Don’t worry if you see little “eyes” or small shoots – that’s a good sign your dahlia is ready to grow.

Planting Your Dahlia

- Best Time: The ideal time to plant is on or around Labour Weekend (late October) when the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed.

- Garden Site: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Dahlias prefer free-draining soil, so avoid areas that stay soggy.

- How to Plant:

1. Dig a hole 10–15 cm deep.
2. Lay the tuber sideways with the “eye” (growing point) facing upward.
3. Cover lightly with soil – new shoots will push through as the soil warms.
4. Add a stake or support at planting time to avoid damaging the tuber later.

Growing 

- Water only once shoots appear above the soil. Before that, the tuber holds enough moisture to get started.

- Feed monthly with a low-nitrogen fertiliser for strong growth and abundant blooms.

- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and help keep weeds down.

Cutting Your Flowers

- Dahlias love being cut – the more you pick, the more they bloom!

- Cut in the cool of the morning or evening, and place stems straight into water.

Lifting & Storing Tubers

- Dahlias aren’t frost hardy. In frost-prone areas, tubers should be lifted after the first frost blackens the foliage.

- Trim stems down to about 10 cm, carefully dig up the clump, and brush off excess soil.

- Allow to dry for a day or two in a cool, airy spot before storing.

- Store in a breathable box with sawdust, wood shavings, or dry potting mix in a dark, dry place until the next planting season.

 

With a little love and care, your dahlia tubers will reward you with months of gorgeous blooms year after year.