Dahlia tubers are often incorrectly referred to as dahlia bulbs and are even sold in specialist stores under this name. In reality, these are thickened roots and rhizomes from which the shoots grow. What you should know about dahlia tubers.
How do I care for dahlia tubers properly?
To plant dahlia tubers correctly, plant them outdoors at the end of April, with the root neck upwards in a deep planting hole. To propagate, divide the tubers in spring or use cuttings. Protect the tubers from frost by storing them dry and frost-free in winter.
This is how old dahlia tubers get
Dahlia tubers can live up to six years. Then the thickened roots die.
During the summer, many more small tubers form from which new dahlia shoots grow. This means that fresh supplies are always ensured.
Planting dahlia tubers correctly
Dahlia tubers are not hardy and are only planted outdoors at the end of April. If you prefer the tubers indoors so that they bloom earlier, you may only plant the Georgians after the Ice Saints.
The planting hole should be deep enough so that the tubers have enough space in it. The georgines must not be planted too deep so that the shoots can grow more easily to the surface.
Dahlia tubers are planted with the root neck upwards.
Propagate dahlias by dividing
Georgines can be easily propagated by dividing. When you take the tubers out of winter quarters in spring, simply cut large tubers through. But make sure that at least one eye remains on each section.
Propagate dahlia tubers through cuttings
Dahlias can also be propagated very well from cuttings. In large horticultural businesses, propagation is generally carried out in this way.
The dahlia tubers are placed in a warm place from January onwards. They then drive out. As soon as the new shoots have formed four pairs of leaves, you can break them off and put them in fresh potting soil (€6.00 at Amazon).
Overwintering dahlia tubers
Dahlia tubers do not tolerate frost. After the first frost at the latest, you should dig up the tubers and prepare them for winter:
- Do not fertilize from August onwards
- Cut the cabbage
- Let the tubers dry for as long as possible
- Shake off the earth
- Store in a frost-free, dry place
- Check regularly for damage
Don't cut the dahlias too short. The remaining shoots should be at least six centimeters long. If you cut off too much, you will injure the root neck. If the root collar is damaged or removed, the dahlia will not sprout again.
The drier you bring the tubers to their winter quarters, the greater the chance that they will survive the winter well.
Keep warm in spring
Dahlia tubers begin to sprout when ambient temperatures rise above twelve degrees. The temperatures in the winter quarters should under no circumstances be so high.
From March you can grow the tubers indoors. Do not plant early dahlias too early because the young shoots will freeze in light frost.
Tips & Tricks
Dahlia tubers are not only valued by voles. Large birds such as crows also appreciate the non-toxic tubers. After planting, protect the georgines with netting if you have a lot of crows and magpies.
