Knowing when to plant Dahlia flowers will ensure that your plants are healthy and able to produce the best blooms. The ideal time to transplant Dahlia tubers is during the spring when your soil temperature measures between 58° F to 60°F. You may want to plant Dahlia’s a little later in the spring to prevent them from freezing.
Planting Instructions
Avoid planting your Dahlia tubers in excessively wet soil, as this could cause them to rot. Dig a hole that is approximately 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Include a shovel of fertilizing compost, a small amount of Dolomite lime, and a handful of bone meal mixed into the soil with which you plan to cover your bulb.
Before adding the Dahlia tuber, fill the hole with your enhanced soil mixture about halfway. Next, plant your Dahlia bulb level with the eye of the tuber sitting upward.
Where to Plant Your Dahlias
Dahlia’s are flexible and will grow in most soil types. However, the flower does bloom more fully when it is planted in a sand blend soil with good water drainage. If your soil is clay-based, then you may add sand or a peat moss mixture to improve the soil quality.
Dahlias prefer full sun, and if you live in a USDA zone 7 through 11, then you can leave them in the ground throughout the winter. However, the climate found in most areas will require this flower to be planted in the spring, then cut down and dug up every fall after the initial frost has occurred.
Instructions for Growing the Best Dahlias
You will need to water your Dahlia plants completely once a week. If your area experiences a hot spell, then water them more often. Also, cut flowers early in the morning for the best bloom and set them in non-chlorinated water.
