Propagation Of Dahlias

Choosing Your Dahlias

• Visit a reputable nursery or dahlia specialist when plants are in bloom. This will give you an idea of the many varieties to choose from. Decide whether you want to grow the large or smaller forms. This should be based upon how much room you have in your garden. Larger forms will require staking, and all the flowers will need a place with excellent drainage; you don't want to overwater them. Once you know the type and colors you want to grow, you can choose the seeds or tubers to plant.

Soil Requirements

• You can start your dahlias indoors or wait until after the last frost of spring to plant outside. Use commercially available soil preparations that have peat and vermiculite if you start indoors. Otherwise, any good, well-draining potting soil can be used both indoors and out. Add decomposed compost to your planting areas for a good head start on growth. Some growers encourage using pasteurized soils, but the primary goal is to remove any bacteria or pests that might be growing in existing soils.

Seeds

• Though most dahlias don't perform as well when started from seeds, you can do it. Suggested types are the dwarf varieties, which seem to do better. Place seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil mix. You can use starting flats or packs, or plant directly into a pot. Cover the seeds with soil and gently water the soil until fully moistened. Keep the flats or pots warm (70 to 80 degrees F) and out of direct sunlight. Germination should occur within a week. Place plants outdoors directly into the sunny or partly shaded garden plot once the ground has begun to warm.

Tubers

• Find tubers from nurseries or neighbors. Look for firm tubers with good root starts. The tubers should have at least one live bud or eye. This is where your plant will come from -- they are located in the crown area of the tuberous root section. Separate tubers with a sharp knife. Plant them about an inch or so deep in soil, several inches apart. Keep them moist but not soggy. Good drainage is vital. Dig up plants before any hard frost and cut off all but about 4 to 6 inches of stems. You can replant the following spring to enjoy continued blooms.