Dahlias are popular, magnificent perennials that, however, require some attention. They overwinter in a frost-free environment and therefore have to be replanted every spring. To ensure that the tubers sprout vigorously, you should pay attention to a few points when planting.
How do you plant dahlia tubers correctly?
To plant dahlia tubers, they should first be watered for half a day. Choose a sunny location and plant the tubers about 5cm deep with the tip upwards, with a minimum distance of 50-80cm. Mix compost into the excavated soil and then water the bed thoroughly.
Time and location
As soon as there is no threat of late frosts, you can plant dahlia tubers in the bed. The ideal time is after the Ice Saints in mid-May. Choose a sunny and airy location where the foliage can dry well after watering. The place should not be too windy, otherwise the flower stems will break easily. Dahlias like loose and fine-crumbly soil. The magnificent perennials also feel comfortable in the pot as long as the planter has a volume of at least 7.5 liters and has a water drainage hole.
Planting correctly
Before the tubers are planted, they should be watered for half a day. When planting, ensure a minimum distance of 50 to 80 centimeters. The exact value depends on the respective variety and ensures that the shoots do not cross each other as they grow. Mix the excavated soil with fresh compost (€10.00 on Amazon) to provide the tubers with optimal growth conditions.
How to insert the tubers:
- Dig the planting hole with a spade
- sprinkle coarse sand into the hole
- Insert rhizomes about five centimeters deep with the tip pointing upwards
- Put a stake into the ground to support flowers
- Fill holes with substrate so that the base of the stem remains visible
- Water the bed thoroughly
Tip
The deeper you plant your dahlia tubers, the better they are protected from frost. However, these should not be covered with soil by more than three inches, otherwise the perennials will bloom later and for a shorter period of time.
Further care
Keep the bed evenly moist and regularly remove spent shoots and wet flowers. This prevents diseases such as gray mold rot and ensures that the dahlia blooms again.
Wintering
After the first frost, the perennials are cut back to 15 centimeters. Then dig up the tubers and let them dry. These should be stored in an airy, dark place in a frost-free and cool place. Initially turn the rhizomes weekly to prevent fungal infestation.
