Quick Tips for Dahlia Care

1. **Storage:** Store them in a cool, dry place until the soil warms up enough for planting. A temperature around 40-50°F (4-10°C) is ideal. You can store them in paper bags filled with slightly moistened peat moss or vermiculite to prevent them from drying out.

2. **Planting:** Once the soil has warmed up in late spring, typically after the last frost date in your area, it's time to plant. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant the tubers about 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart, with the sprouts facing upwards.

3. **Watering:** Water the newly planted tubers thoroughly after planting, and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season. Do not over water until it has a healthy set of leaves otherwise the tubers will rot. Plant with bone meal if you can. Fish fertilizer is usually the best once you start to see blooms. Pluck the second bud if you see two in one stem for larger blooms. I also trim the lower leaves of the plant to promote airflow and help with pest prevention. 

4. **Cutting:** If you choose to cut and bring inside, cut deep to promote longer stems. The more you cut, the more they produce! Buds will not bloom further after cutting, so be sure to cut them when they are still firm and fully open. Cut at an angle and keep the water clean. Trim lower leaves so they are not in the water. You can expect 5-7 days vase life of kept cool with fresh water out of indirect sun.

 

5. **Maintenance:** Stake tall varieties to support their growth, and remove any dead or decaying foliage to prevent disease. 

With these tips in your gardening arsenal, you're all set to nurture your Dahlia tubers into a symphony of color and beauty. Get ready to watch your garden burst into a vibrant display of Dahlia splendor! Feel free to message us with any questions. Happy gardening!