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Dahlia

Cut Flower Care Guide

Dahlias are the backbone of many cut flower farms, producing an incredible range of colors, forms, and sizes from midsummer through first frost. Grown from tubers planted after frost danger passes, a single tuber can yield dozens of stems over the season. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and are heavy feeders that reward good nutrition with prolific blooms.

🌱 Planting Guide

When to Plant After last frost when soil reaches 60°F (15°C), typically late May to early June in zones 5–7

Planting Depth 4–6 inches deep, laid horizontally with the eye facing up

Spacing 18–24 inches between plants; 36–48 inches between rows for cut flower production

Soil Rich, well-drained loamy soil, pH 6.5–7.0. Amend with compost before planting.

Sunlight Full sun — minimum 6–8 hours direct sunlight

💡 Tips

Do not water tubers at planting — wait until sprouts emerge to avoid rot
Pre-sprout tubers indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost to extend the harvest window
Install stakes or support netting at planting time, not after growth begins
Plant tubers eye-up; if you can't find the eye, plant horizontally
Pinch the center growing tip when plants reach 12–16 inches tall to encourage branching and more stems

📅 Month-by-Month Care Calendar

Jan

Order tubers from suppliers early — popular varieties sell out fast. Review last season's notes.

Feb

Finalize tuber orders. Prepare growing area plans. Source stakes and netting supplies.

Mar

Start dividing stored tuber clumps. Check for eye development. Set up pre-sprouting trays indoors.

Apr

Pre-sprout tubers indoors in trays of moist vermiculite (4–6 weeks before last frost). Prepare beds with compost.

May

Plant tubers outdoors after last frost date. Install stakes/netting. Do not water until shoots emerge.

Jun

Pinch growing tips when plants reach 12–16 inches. Begin regular watering and feeding. Install drip irrigation.

Jul

Begin harvesting early varieties. Continue feeding every 2–3 weeks. Scout for pests. Disbud for larger blooms.

Aug

Peak harvest season. Harvest daily. Keep up with deadheading. Continue watering and feeding.

Sep

Continue harvesting. Reduce fertilizing. Begin planning tuber storage.

Oct

After first killing frost, dig tubers. Cure for 24–48 hours. Prepare storage containers.

Nov

Finish digging and storing tubers. Clean up beds. Record variety performance notes.

Dec

Inventory stored tubers. Plan next season's varieties. Order catalogs. Review what worked.