How to plant dahlias early | The Impatient Gardener 

I watch this wonderful video every year to refresh my memory!

This video is by FAR the best I’ve ever watched on how to divide, plant and care for dahlias! I’m so excited to get things growing! Thank you!

I'm watching this as a review. I followed your instruction last year with great success! I love your channel. 💮

I live in zone 4 in Minnesota. I just bought some dahilas from the garden center. I cannot wait to grow them this year. Thanks for these great videos. LOVE your channel

That's my name (-: Growing up in Wisconsin, I got teased because of my name. Only Susie and Kellys. I never knew my name was actually beautiful until I decided to love it. THEN I saw the flowers..now I say it with even more love ❣

Tips for Dahlia growing from a past Dahlia Society family: We always used 16-16-16 & bone meal mixed into the soil when we dug the hole to plant our tubers. (Not a lot of each you dont want to burn your tubers). (The triple16 also was a slow release, but gave them every thing they needed to get a going in the begining as you do want to make sure you have good roots & a strong bush stock/leaves to support the blooms when they came.) We might foliar feed mid way thru season, but rarely as Dahlias grow pretty good on their own. You do need to keep an eye out for pest & disease though as they are prone to both & treat accordingly (powdery mildew, spider mites & flea beatles being some of the common ones). It is best to drive your stakes before planting as you do not want to accidentally drive a stake through a tuber later, thus killing your plant (as tubers are very prone to rotting especially when damaged). Erin may have good success w/ putting her Dahlias in the dark to start (I'm just not this familiar w/ this method). We however always placed our tubers in long tubs & covered w/ vermiculite, peat moss, or potting soil and placed in a sunny window (keeping planting medium slightly moist never wet). Once plants were about 6-8 in tall we would plant outside. When storing Dahlias (overwintering) you do not want your temps to be over 55° as it could cause rot or early bolting. However, you do not ever want it to go below freezing or you will loose your tubers. We always cleaned, cut & cured our tubers in the Fall, making sure to always leave a bit of the main stock attached to the tuber or you most likely will not have any eyes comes next Spring. To cure we left out on shed shelf for a couple of days until the skin felt dry (but definitely do not wait until tuber shrivels as it needs the moisture on inside to stay alive over Winter). Tip, while tuber was still wet we used an indelible pencil to write the name of the Dahlia on each tuber. Store cured tubers in trays of vermiculite as it holds some moisture but also keeps tubers dry. For the 1st month you need to go out & shake the trays once a week (to keep from molding). 2nd month, twice a month. By third month, usually a general check 1-2 times a month just to check that they are doing good. If you ever see where any tubers have turned black, discard immediately as it could whipe out your entire tray (stock of that one variety). One great place for how-to-guide on cutting, planting, growing is Swan Island Dahlias. The back of their catalog has wonderful directions & diagrams to follow. I believe you can find this info on their web page. *One of the guides will show you how to disbud giving you the nice long strong stems like the professional growers/showers have!

I needed this video today. I just planted my first dahlias in pots just like this, awaiting spring. It’s 76 today and tomorrow, but down to 40 next 2 nights. I’ll bring them into my sunroom and wait for the shoots to peek out. I’m so excited. Thanks so much for inspiration. I planted 8 tuber clumps and hoping to be successful. I’m zone 8b central Texas. Wish me luck. Your dahlias had pushed me to do it. Thanks again.

Great video. Straight to the point, without a bunch of needless talk. Thx.

I live over in the Michigan so this definitely applies to me too! Thanks for the information!💕♥️🌱 Happy Planting!

Thank you so much! That was the best demonstration of dividing dahlia tubers I've ever seen. Now I have the confidence to divide some of my favourites!

So gorgeous! Plan on getting mine in the ground around Mother’s Day.

Holy cow, I learned so much from this video! New gardener here and I've discovered I LOVE dahlias. I have a couple in my garden and can't wait to get more varieties and now that I know I can get a jump start on the growing season for next year, I'm extra excited!

I’m planning on planting dahlias next year. So happy I found your channel!

Finally! A clear video on starting dahlias. Thankyou.

My parents always had these flowers when I was growing up and they are gorgeous. This is the first year I'm trying them so thank you very much for a very informative and well-made video.

This is the best most comprehensive video! Thank you so much!

This is exactly the information I needed. I am zone 5 too. Dahlias got me emotionally through the pandemic. The tubers over wintered well (wrapping in plastic wrap worked the best for my situation) and I feel like a proud mother with new babies in their pots. Thank you!

Love the idea of dividing tubers in the Spring. Thank you. Great footage.

I have never grown them before and also thought they were difficult but you explained it so well that I think I'll try them

I am so excited to find another Zone 5 gardener! Thanks for the video and keep your advice and experiences coming.

Thanks for the info on starting the Dahlias early. I am a lover of Dahlias.

Beautiful vid! So excited for spring gardening!!

This was SO SO SO helpful! Thank you for taking the time to show us how to separate the tubers.

Great information. I just grew my fist Dahlias this year. Growing great. Thank you

Great video!!! Thanks even though I'm 70 years old and have Garden for years I'm new to dahlias so this will help me out. I was very adventurous last year and grew things I really never tried before like alocasia and colocasia and a banana tree and Canna. I had grown the regular green elephant ear bulb and tried dahlias but I think the Dahlia planted late and wasn't happy with the results. I've always loved plants and I have my own RU-vid channel now. I started it so I could share with a RU-vid friend in Canada Carolyn whose channel is named after her and her husband Jack so it's called Jacolyn's orchids. The only way I could share my beginning starts with phalaenopsis orchids was to post on RU-vid. I've been such a subscriber to your channel for a while and this is perfect timing. I started my caladiums that I just bought at Lowe's to give them a head start and I save my caladiums from last year I just left him in the pots they were growing in over the winter. Thanks so much this is been a great video

Thank you you did a great job explaining how to get dahlias started I appreciate it and look forward to the beautiful blossoms

我今天刚买了break out到了，看了你的视频很棒。my ordering of break out just arrive today，your videos is really helping me to plant and I didn't plant dahlia before.thank u so much😀

Thank you 😊 Just came across this video. So informative and clear, can't wait to fill our small garden with gorgeous, colourful dahlias. Just got to get through three months of waiting!!

Thanks for sharing, I'm restoring my gardens this yr and I'm zone 5 too. I got dinnerplate dahlia. I am ready to plant. I didn't know about that soil tip, thanks!

Just bought a few. Can’t wait to get them going. Thanks for the tips!

I just found your channel today and I´m so excited, because that means I can binge watch all of your videos!! :) I potted up my dahlias abput two weeks ago, but I ordered some new varieties, I couldnt help myself :D I´m sure I will find a space for them somewhere in my garden....:D Greetings from Germany :)

Very much enjoyed this 🥰 thank you! Very thorough, enjoyable, inspiring and entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So glad I found your channel ! You have a great personality and have been so informative.

Love your dog. What a big sweetie!

i like that you included all the details. nice and educating

Super helpful video. Best one I’ve seen for dahlias. You seem super cool, too. Thanks from Indianapolis.

I love your Newfie🥰 great video. Gunna get back into Dahlias!

Excellent and informative video. I planted dahlias for the first time last summer. Didn’t get them in full sun, but it was just sunny and hot enough that they performed wonderfully anyway (the neighbor was giddy ..and you know, that’s who I’m planting for😂). I overwintered in my garage per instructions from Swan Island Dahlias ...I’m going to unpack them, use your method and see how successful I was. This has been the best video of yours I’ve seen so far. (Subscribed a week or two ago). Thanks!!!

New subscriber And glad I found you I love Dalias now I can get them for my little garden...my new hobby since I retire thank you!

Thank you! Love Dahlias too. Great information 🌷🌷👏

Ha! I was so excited - my first year of overwintering dahlia bulbs in my friend's basement - in peat potting mix in cardboard boxes - they are perfect coming out of storage! Of course the first thing I did was washed them off and put them in WET potting mIx - WRONG - half buried and put out on a warm day in the sun - WRONG! THEN I watched you wondrous video and immediately redressed my mistakes. THANK YOU!!!!! Warm regards Jennie

I have grown dahlias for years, and it's only been sheer luck that any grow because I did not know anything about them. I threw them in 5 gal pails over winter and they always survived. But I had work done on my basement and now they don't like it, they dry up like prunes. I am very glad I watched this video and have subscribed. I have learned a lot. Thank you!

Really great advice and great video. I always have trouble with growing them. Maybe I was giving too much water or not enough sun. Thank you for the tips. They are such beautiful flowers and yours always look so good.

Excellent tutorial, thank you. Enjoying your videos very much.

Enjoyed that. The sharpie was new for me. 👍

Thank you so much, I've learned a lot! ❤️

Well now we want a summer tour of all your dahlias, great video!

Thank you so much for this beautiful tutorial tips this amazing dahlias🌸 i lookforward to see the result after👍👌🔔🌸

Great video. Thank you. I'm finally giving them a try. 🤞🏼

Excellent informative video. Thanks for the tips.

lots of useful information , wonderful narration , completely charming : )

Great video! Thanks!

Great video! Just ordered my first tubers 🤩

Great video! So much good informations. And you have gorgeous table!!!😍

very helpful, thank you so much

Break-out dahlias are my favorite!!

Xcellent info, very clear!

Would love to see a planting in the ground and staking video. I think that's why one of mine grew weird and didn't bloom at all. Need to see how/when you stake please!! 🌸♥️

Very helpful! Thank you!!!

Great analogy (baking with unsalted butter)

Great video, thank you!

Excellent explanation. Thank you

Great tutorial!

Hi Erin! Love your channel - thank you :) Just a thought - have you thought of an electric blanket for a “heat mat” for all your dahlias? :) I used on for all my seed starts when I was starting out.

Love your dog in the background 😍

l like your Newfie!! Good dahlia advice too

great video, watched it till the end :)

Thank u Very informative ! ❤️

You are the best!! Love your videos. I plant mine in pots. I live in Sacramento, CA our weather is in the 70 in January. Last year my dahlias came but never blummed. I’ll take them out today and make sure they’re okay. Any advice ? Thank you 😊

I like your talent thank you for sharing

Dont know how I missed this great video! I think it's to late for me to pot up my dahlias (zone 5a) to get a early start now that's its May but wil certainly l save this one for next year.

Awesome video, thank you! I am attempting to plant dahlias for the first time and am new to gardening in general. I’m in zone 6a and have a little prefab greenhouse with a heater. Could I plant more than one tuber in a container for now? Space is limited.

I love this idea! I bought some peony tubers this year -- can I use the same process to give them a head start?

Thank you.

This is why we always divided ours in the Fall. The more tubers, the more eyes which resulted in more plants. Of course we were part of the Dahlia Society & had to have multiple hills of the same varieties for showing & we always had plenty left over to sell in the Summer. However, if anyone reads this & tries this method, please be sure to leave part of the main stock attached to the tuber(s) or you will not not have any eyes come Spring.

please post more. I appreciate your videos since we are in similar areas. maybe a video on duetzias? thank u!

I learned my lesson to not use a sharpie on the plant label. I graphite pencil will no wash away like a sharpie will. :-)

Can’t wait too see you plant them ?

Hi - great video! I'm in zone 5b. Around what time is it safe to put the baby potted dahlias into an unheated greenhouse? I'll probably get the same one you have! We have a patio that gets full sun (hot as hell in the summer).

I used seed starting mix in my containers. They're in a warm room and starting to sprout. As they continue to grow will the seed starting mix be okay until I plant them outside at the end of May? In your video you use potting mix, I wasn't sure if I was going to run into a problem. Loved your video, thanks!

I started my dahlias inside this year after watching your dahlia videos. I have them in front of a window and they are all sprouting. I do not have a greenhouse to set them in and I’m on Ohio (6b). I put them outside when our days reach 65+ and bring them inside at night. I just don’t know how much to water them now? I would so appreciate any advice as I’m so worried to ruin them

Hi Erin, I'm a fan of your channel, I'm also in zone 5 here in Chicagoland. We saved our dahlia tuber from last year, we're not sure if it survived as it was our first time trying to save a tuber, we're waiting anxiously! haha Once your tubers are planted about how long does it take for them to poke through the soil's surface?

very nice

Hi from Florida.

I had a dinner plate dahlia bloom over the weekend and I was really excited for it but I wasn't able to get it supported in time, then it rained and the stem gave way at the base. I set it back up and got it the support it needed but I'm afraid it was too late, did I lose the whole plant? or is there a possibility that it can grow back?

Can you send me the details on your portable greenhouse? You've inspired me to plant dahalias this summer. I've purchased 30 this yr. Zone 4. Love your channel.

I planted mine in pots about 3 weeks ago. I've been putting them outside during the days that are above 55 and then I move them back in the garage at night and cover them with a blanket. This is the same thing I have always done with cannas. So far, I have seen no dahlias emerge. However, I'm not sure any of mine are actually viable. I don't have good success with overwinter tuber storage. Also, I wasn't aware they didn't like fertilizer. I added Espoma starter fertilizer to all the pots.

Thank you for the tutorial. I dont see the eyes yet, should i consider moving the tuber bags to a warm room before planting them into the 1G pots

Great video! I had one large tuber that I divided a month ago and got 5 plants form this one. I planted them and now they are growing like crazy - about 3 inches tall. My questions is this: the leaves are curling in- not turning brown or brittle, just curling around the edges. Anyone know why? Thanks.

Your overwintered tubers look great! Any tips on how you store them?

Hi Erin I love your videos. Thanks for all your great info on dahlias. Im in Michigan & was wondering can I grow the big dahlias in large pots? Also are dahlias deer candy? If so how can I protect them ? Im imagining u are gonna tell me spraying?? !! Lol.

Excellent help but what do you use for stakes?

1st time dahlia grower started from seed last week. Hope to get them in ground before June 1, my surgery date.

So it looks like about a month and a week we can plant them in a pot inside....would that be correct? I like in Milwaukee... like to get things started earlier this year as I'm still working from home because of COVID. Hopefully you make another video this year updating this as I be interested in how to do this. Thanks for the tips.

Just received and potted up my dahlias (from Longfellow Gardens). Many of mine didn't have eyes/shoots. Is that unusual?

Omg omg omg. I saw the plants you have (growing in the woods near my house) in a drift on the screen when you showed your green house ! What are those ! I’ve never seen anything like them until that day in the woods. I’ve been trying to figure it out for a year !

Hi, Great videos. Im in SE Wisconsin and Im going to save my tubers from this year. I don't have a green house but I do grow my seeds in the basement with grow lights. When do you what time of year you start planting your tubers inside? Thanks!

where would i store my dahlia tubers they froze in my garage last year i live in abbostford bc canada

Are they safe in that temporary greenhouse even if there is supposed to be an overnight frost? I'm in Chicago, figured I would pot them up next week. I do have one of those mini greenhouses. About how long (usually) from potting until the shoots emerge and you move them to the greenhouse? Thank you!

When you divide tubers do you let them dry or plant them right away