Tubers will be sent out in Spring once a visible eye has formed, ensuring you have a viable tuber. Upon receiving your order, please inspect all tubers and notify us within seven days if you have any concerns.
1. When to Plant
Outdoors: Plant after the last frost, once soil has warmed—typically mid to late spring.
Indoors/Pre-sprouting: Start them 4–6 weeks before your last frost in pots indoors to get a jumpstart.
2. What You’ll Need
Dahlia tubers
Compost or potting mix (light, well-draining)
Pots (if pre-sprouting)—around 3–5 L per tuber
Sunny garden spot or bright windowsill
Garden fork or hand trowel
Stakes (for taller varieties)
3. Preparing the Tuber
Inspect for rot or mold—trim off any damaged parts.
Ensure each tuber has a “growth eye” or sprouting point (usually near the old stem).
4. Planting Tubers Outdoors
Choose a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Dig a hole about 10–15 cm deep.
Place the tuber horizontally, with the eye facing up.
Cover with soil, but don’t water heavily until shoots appear.
Space plants 30–45 cm apart, depending on the variety.
Insert a stake at planting time if needed.
5. Pre-Sprouting Indoors (Optional)
Fill a pot with moist compost.
Plant the tuber just under the surface, eye up.
Place in a warm, bright spot (~18–21°C).
Water lightly—keep soil just barely moist.
Once shoots are 5–10 cm tall, move outdoors (after hardening off).
6. Ongoing Care
Watering: Once growing, water deeply 2–3 times a week, depending on weather.
Feeding: Apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 2–4 weeks once growth is established.
Pinching: When the plant is 20–30 cm tall, pinch out the top to encourage branching.
Staking: Support tall or large-flowered varieties to prevent breakage.
7. End of Season – Lifting & Storing
After first frost blackens the foliage, cut stems to 10–15 cm.
Carefully lift tubers with a fork.
Let them dry for a few days in a frost-free place.
Store in a cool, dry, dark spot around 4–10°C, in boxes with dry compost, sand, or vermiculite.
