Since dahlias aren’t fans of the freezing cold, we have to tuck them away for the winter and get them back into the ground once spring rolls around. To make sure your dahlias grow strong and keep those stunning blooms coming all season long, here’s everything you need to know about getting them back into your garden.
When to Get Your Dahlias in the Ground
Timing is everything! You’ll want to plant your dahlias in the spring, but only once the threat of frost has passed. A good rule of thumb is to wait until after the “Ice Saints” (mid-May) to be safe. If a surprise late-night frost is in the forecast, make sure to protect your newly planted dahlias with some garden fleece, a burlap sack, or even a natural mulch like straw or leaves. If you’ve already started your dahlias indoors, you can wait until June or even July to move them outside.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Choosing the right location for your dahlias is key to their success. Interestingly, dahlias actually prefer a spot with partial shade to full shade; you really want to avoid places where they’ll be baking in direct, harsh sunlight all day long. The soil needs to be nice and loose with great drainage—dahlias hate “wet feet,” so avoid any spots where water tends to pool.
Here’s a quick checklist for the perfect dahlia home:
- Partial shade to shade (avoid constant direct sun).
- Loose, well-draining, and well-fertilized soil.
- Planting holes spaced about 8 inches (20 cm) apart.
A Quick Pro Tip: Soak Before You Plant
If you’re feeling a little impatient and want to see those sprouts sooner, try soaking your dahlia tubers in a bowl of lukewarm water for about two days before planting. This “pre-swelling” helps them sprout much faster once they’re in the dirt, leading to quicker leaves and flowers.
Step-by-Step: How to Plant Your Dahlias
Ready to dig in? Here’s the simplest way to get the job done:
- Place your dahlia tubers into the holes you’ve dug. Make sure the “crown” (where the stem meets the roots) is facing upward. Even if you accidentally plant them upside down, they’ll still grow, but the shoots will have a much longer journey to reach the surface, which means you’ll be waiting longer for those blooms!
- Give them a head start by fertilizing your dahlias with an organic fertilizer right at planting time. This ensures the tuber has all the nutrients it needs from day one.
- Fill the hole back up with loose soil and give your young tubers a good drink of water.
A Little Design Inspiration
Dahlias look absolutely stunning when planted in groups or mixed into perennial beds and borders alongside other summer and fall favorites. Happy planting!
