Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 3/26/2006

Question
Hello Ken

I saved the bulb from my Dahlia (Yin-Yang) and now I'm wondering when I should pot it up to get it started for the growing season.  It was in a pot when I bought it and due to lack of garden space I'll need it to stay in a pot on the deck. I had a look at the bulb today and it seems pretty good, it does have one long white tuber thingy growing already.

I'm new to Dahlia's so I'd greatly appreciate your help. I've just got to outdo my mother-in-law this year. ha ha

Thanks
Wendy

Answer
You can pre-start dahlias indoors under grow light about 4-6 weeks before planting out. Planting out should not be until after last chance of frost.

If you have a sunny window, or alternatively flourescent lights which you can place so they are right above the top of the dahlia plant (raise as it grows), then you can pot up now.

The dahlia tuber should be horizonally placed in the soil burried about 5-6" deep.

Water once really well and then only water about once every week until the sprout is well above soil level. At this time, you may need to water more frequently as the large dahlia leaves take up lots of moisture.

Use a liquid fertilizer such as miracle grow 15-30-15 when watering after the sprout is out of the pot.