Dahlia can be propagated vegetatively (division of tubers, stem cuttings, grafting, leaf cuttings and through tissue culture) or from seeds. Division of tubers is the most easy way to sprout new plants. Plus the bulbs for different varieties are more easily available than seeds.
Growing Dahlia Bulbs
For proper dahlia bulb care, plant dahlia bulbs from April right through May, when the temperature approximates between 50 to 60 degrees. Dahlia can be grown in flower garden beds or in pots. Dahlia plants need a sunny location for their flowers to come true. Minimum 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight, and in extremely hot areas, 3 – 4 hours will suffice. Dahlia bulbs do very well in humus rich soils that have tilled deep and amended with sand or peat moss to make them well drained. Compacting soil inhibits the bulbs to sprout well as ventilation gets blocked. The soil’s balance should be maintained at 6.5 – 7(slightly acidic).
Plant dahlia bulbs about six to eight inches deep in a hole with a handful or organic compost and bone meal. Place the bulbs with the ‘eye’ on the tuber facing up, (eye is the point of the tuber from which the plant grows). Space tubers depending upon the variety between two inches to a feet apart. Stake the bulbs either with canes or even tomato cages. Water as per need, but never in excess as the tuber may set rot. In most cases rain showers are adequate to get the tubers to sprout. Once the dahlia sprouts, just ensure enough water, especially for warmer climates. Continue reading
