Dahlias Planting Instructions

The many varieties of dahlias are so vast and varied that home gardeners are likely to find one that is perfect for their garden space. The flowers, which are grown from tubers, can grow between 1 and 6 feet tall. Bloom size varies as well, with some dahlia flowers as wide as 1 foot. The brightly colored flowers are an eye-catcher and include red, orange, yellow, pink, purple and white blossoms. Dahlias are usually easy to grow as long as the right conditions are provided.

Choose a location for planting. Dahlias need full sun, so pick a site that gets between eight and 10 hours of direct or filtered sunlight a day. In areas where temperatures regularly remain above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dahlias will do best with some afternoon shade. Dahlias also need to be planted in a well-drained soil. If your soil has poor drainage, consider making a raised bed for planting.

Till the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.

Mix 1 to 2 inches of compost in with the soil.

Dig a hole 4 to 5 inches deep. If you are planting multiple dahlia tubers, space them 12 to 18 inches apart.

Place the dahlia tuber in the hole. Tubers should be planted with the eyes pointing upward, but even if planted upside down the plant should grow.

Replace the soil surrounding the plant and pack it down firmly with your hands so no air bubbles remain.

Water the newly planted tuber thoroughly so its roots begin to form. Tubers planted in wet soil do not need to be watered. In the week after planting, it should be watered every one or two days.