Common Dahlia Troubles, Issues, Troubleshooting, Tuber Problems, Frequently Asked Questions.

Troubleshooting Common Dahlia Tuber Issues / Questions:

  • Yes! As long as a tuber has a viable eye, it doesn’t matter if it is big or small. The tuber acts as the energy source to start the growth but as soon as it forms roots, it will use the roots to absorb water and nutrients to grow.

  • A slightly soft tuber is usually fine, it may be losing some of its moisture or, alternatively, it could be rotting from too much moisture. if it’s mushy or smells bad - it is likely rotting. Keep an eye on soft tubers but slightly soft is good to plant.

  • If the rot seems localized, you can cut away the affected area with a clean, sharp knife. Make sure that you remove all of the soft, dark, or smelly tissue until only firm, healthy flesh remains. After cutting, dust the cuts with cinnamon to help prevent futher rot. Let the cut cure/harden off before planting. If the rot is extensive, it may be neccesary to discard the tuber(s).

  • Surface mold is common, especially in storage. You can wipe or dust it off or adjust your storage methods. No need to worry.

  • Some wrinkling on a tuber is fine but if it’s completely dry and brittle it may not grow.

    Adjust your storage methods to prevent the tubers from drying out any further.

    (Box stores and big online distributers generally sell very dried out clumps of dahlias that sometimes still grow so consider this as well.)

    You can try hydrating it by soaking the tubers for a few hours before planting to help hydrate it if you are uncertain but I reccomend to plant if you aren’t sure.

  • Eyes can be extremely difficult to see, especially earlier in the year. If the tuber seems healthy, give it time as the eyes often puff up and emerge after a few weeks of warmer temperatures.

  • If it is close to planting time and the growth is small, you can plant it as usual. If it is still several weeks or months out from planting, you may need to find a cooler place for storing. Pinch the growth back before planting.

  • If the eye (the sprouting point) is damaged, the tuber may still grow new shoots from right alongside the broken eye or other viable eyes.

    In the past, we have taken cuttings for propegation and cut the eye out of the plant to do so. Each time,more growth points did appear.

    Keep it in a warmer spot and monitor it for a couple of weeks to see what happens.

Troubleshooting Common Dahlia Growing Issues / Questions:

  • Dahlias like consistent moisure but they hate soggy soil.

    When planting: do not water until you see the growth above the soil.

    Once sprouted: water 2-3x per week depending on weather and soil drainage. Add mulch to retain moisture and reduce how often you need to water. Dahlias may need watering every day or every other day in hot weather, especially in sandy soil, pots, or raised beds.

  • No- but it can benefit them, especially tall varieties or if you get a lot of wind. Tomato cages, stakes, twine, etc can make quick and easy stakes but they can also be corralled together.

    The dahlias will still grow if they aren’t staked, but they can uproot their tubers if they fall over.

  • Dahlia tubers can take 3-5 weeks to sprout, especially if the soil is cold. If it has been longer, gently brush away the soil to check the tuber. If the tuber is still firm, it may just be needing more time. Some varieties are faster to wake up than others.

  • Common culprits are slugs, earwigs, and grasshoppers. Try your best to observe the area and determine what kind of pest you may be dealing with.

  • It could be poor soil, a lack of nutrients, or even a virus. If the plant looks otherwise healthy- you can try to fertilize it. If it is currently being targeted by pests- you will need to get the pest pressure reduced before it can thrive.

  • Yellowing can mean overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient issue. Check your soil and make sure it isn’t too wet and consider your fertilization.

  • The color of dahlias can vary due to temperature, pH, growing conditions, and time of year. Many dahlias get lighter in color through the growing season. Pictures online may not always be a great representation of how the flowers will look in your garden but if the color is drastically different or the shape / size is different, you may have been given the wrong variety by the seller.

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