Category Archives: Dahlias

Storing Dahlias over winter

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This question was asked by
– George K – 

Could you please let me know about lifting dahlias. I had two large ones and lifted them for the following season. I wrapped them up in newspaper and kept them in my cold greenhouse. Upon examining them for planting this season most of the tubers are soft as you touch them. Are they still ok to plant or should I throw them away. I have no problems with your Lillies I leave them in the ground and they come up every year. Should I just buy dahlias each season and not lift them and store them for the following season. I would appreciate your reply before I place my next order. Kind Regards George

Healthy Dahlia tubers

When dahlia tubers become soft to the touch after storage, this usually indicates that they have rotted and, unfortunately, are unlikely to be viable. Healthy tubers should feel firm. If only small sections are soft, you can try cutting those parts away back to firm tissue, but if the majority of the tuber is soft, it is best to discard them.

For future reference, dahlias can be successfully lifted and stored, but they do need the right conditions. After lifting, they should be dried thoroughly and then stored in a cool, frost-free, well-ventilated place. Wrapping them too tightly (for example in newspaper alone) can sometimes trap moisture and lead to rot. Many gardeners have better results storing them in dry compost, vermiculite, or wood shavings, which helps regulate moisture levels.

Whether you need to lift them each year depends on your soil and local conditions. In milder areas with free-draining soil, some people do leave dahlias in the ground with a thick mulch, but there is always a risk of frost damage or winter wet causing rot. Lifting remains the most reliable method if you want to ensure they survive year to year.

If you prefer a simpler approach, there’s nothing wrong with buying fresh plants or tubers each season, but with a slight adjustment to storage methods, you should be able to keep them successfully.

We hope this helps, and please do get in touch if you need any further advice before placing your next order.

The Hart Family

When to order Dahlias

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This question was asked by
– Michael – 

When is the best time to order Dahlias from you?

Dahlia Thomas A. Edison

Dahlia Thomas A. Edison

Hi there,
We will be putting our Dahlias back in stock in the Autumn. You can be notified by email when they are back in stock if you click on the button ‘tell me when this is back in stock’ on the product page.

All spring planted bulb orders are dispatched in February/March when they need planting.

Hope this helps.
The Hart Family

Advice regarding overwintering of dahlia plants

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This question was asked by
– Fliss T

Hello

Please could you advise me as to whether it would be best for me to remove the dahlia tubers and store them over the winter or to leave them in the ground.
As well as enjoying the beautiful dahlia flowers which has given me and my friends and family so much please.

Dahlia Thomas A. Edison

Dahlia Thomas A. Edison

Hi there,

Please see below on how to care for your dahlias once they have finished flowering and how to overwinter them:

How to care for Dahlias

Aftercare/Overwintering

    • Once your dahlias have finished flowering and the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut the plants back to the ground.
    • In well-drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and mulch over to protect against frosts.
    • In colder climates or heavier soils, lift and store your tubers over winter.
    • If lifting and storing over winter, cut back foliage and carefully lift the tubers out of the soil. Allow the tubers to dry off naturally and then clean away any soil. Trim the stems back and cut off any fine roots. Make sure the tubers are completely dry before storing them into open trays or boxes. Pack with dry sand. Leave the crowns exposed.
    • Replant the following spring.
    • Must be kept frost free.
    • Once the risk of frosts have passed and you start to see signs of growth again, the mulch can be removed.
    • Water regularly during active growth periods.

Care:

    • Support Dahlias with canes on planting and tie in as growth develops.
    • When your Dahlias reach about 40cm in height, pinch out the growing tips with your thumb and forefinger or use a sharp knife. This will encourage branching.
    • Water once a week with a good amount not just a little sprinkle.
    • Deadhead flowers as they fade.

Overwintering:

    • Once the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut the plants back to the ground.
    • If panted in the garden, in well-drained soils, leave the tubers in the ground and cover with a generous layer of bark chips or compost to protect them from frost.
    • In colder climates or heavier soils, lift and store your tubers over winter.
    • If planted in pots, cut back the entire plant to 4 – 6 inches. Keep the dahlias in their pot over winter. Keep the pot in a cool, dry, dark place that doesn’t freeze like a garage, shed or greenhouse.
    • Don’t water your tubers, just let them stay dry.

Lifting and Storing over winter:

    • Cut back foliage and carefully lift the tubers out of the soil.
    • Allow the tubers to dry off naturally and then clean away any soil.
    • Trim the stems back to 15-20cm and cut off any fine roots.
    • Make sure the tubers are completely dry before storing them into open trays or boxes. Pack with peat-free compost or dry sand. Leave the crowns exposed.
    • Replant the following spring.

 

The Hart Family

Dahlia tubers

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This question was asked by
– J. Miller

Hello. I’ve registered to be sent when dahlias are available. I’m just planning ahead: when do you think tubers may be available ? Regards

John

Hi John

All our dahlias are now in stock for pre-ordering for delivery in the Spring.

You can find them all here: Dahlias

The Hart Family

New to Dahlias

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This question was asked by
– Simon –

Hi, I have a raised bed 7′ x 4′ and would like to use it to grow dahlia for cut flowers.

The soil is sandy and has been dug over and weeded.

How would you advise if plant it…..how many tubers in this space please.

Any recommendations for a newbie.

Many thanks

Simon Town

Hi

Dahlias have specific spacing needs for optimal growth. Typically, most Dahlias require a space of about one square foot per tuber. This is to ensure that they have enough room to grow without competing with each other for resources. However, the Dinner Plate Dahlias, which are among the largest varieties, need a bit more space. They should ideally be spaced 12-18 inches apart. This additional space allows for their extensive foliage and large flowers to flourish. On the other hand, the more compact Dahlia varieties can share space comfortably. Multiple tubers can be planted together in each square foot, as these types don’t require as much room to grow.

Dahlias

Growing dahlias

The Hart Family

Dahlia advice

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This question was asked by
– John H – 

When buying Dahlias from you the alternatives are 1 tuber, 3 tubers etc.
how many do I need for each of 2 very large pots/planters?
For example “Bishop of Llandaff”

Thank you.

Dahlias do get quite big and if you pinch them out they spread out quite a bit too. I would advise planting 1 x dahlia tuber in a container that is at least 12” deep and 16” wide. The bigger the pot, the better. Each dahlia tuber needs 12” x 12” x 12” of space to grow well. Don’t plant too many dahlia tubers in one pot.

Bishop of Llandaff

Bishop of Llandaff

The Hart Family

Thomas A Edison Dahlia

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This question was asked by
– Lyn H

Hello, I would like to order one tuber of Thomas A Edison Dahlia. Your website indicates that ordering just one is out of stock, yet you seem to have the option to order more that are in stock. Can you help? Thank you.

Hi there,

 

We have finished sending out Dahlias for this year I’m afraid. They will soon be available to pre-order for delivery in February. Please check back again soon or click on the link provided to be notifed when it is back in stock to order.

 

Thomas A Eddison

Dahlia Thomas A. Edison

The Hart Family

Planting of Dahlias

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This question was asked by
– Veronica M

I have just purchased from you 3 tuber “Little William”
I am planting these tubers in pots.
Could you please tell me how deep I need to plant them ?
Thank you. Veronica McLaughlin

Hi there,

Dahlias need planting just under the soil surface so cover your dahlia tubers with about 3cm (1-2″) of soil.

Dahlia Little William

The Hart Family