Dahlia Tuber Dividing and Dahlia Cuttings
Get multiple flowers from one Dahlia tuber for free!
Dahlia propagation, a delightful and rewarding process. A little patience and care are key to seeing your efforts bloom into a beautiful array of colours.
The two main methods of propagating dahlias are division and cuttings.
Dividing Dahlias
To divide a dahlia, you must separate a healthy portion of the plant from its parent. Start by digging up your dahlia and gently shaking off any loose soil. Wash off any soil that might be hiding eyes. Look for a tuber section which has clearly developed eyes near the stem and cut that section out with a sharp knife. Let the cut heal over night before planting in compost. Taking care to keep them moist until they are planted in the ground.
An eye on a dahlia tuber
Dividing dahlia tubers
Dahlia Cuttings
Once the dahlia has started to grow it is easier to see where leaves are developing. You’ll need to take stem pieces that are 10cm long, with at least 3 nodes (swelling where leaves develop) on each cutting. Remove all but the top two pairs of leaves, dip the base of the cutting into rooting hormone powder, then place it in well-draining potting mix. Water lightly and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture until roots have formed.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to provide optimal growing conditions for your newly propagated plants — well-draining soil, regular waterings, and plenty of bright sunlight. With a little bit of effort, you’ll soon have a stunning array of dahlias in your garden! Good luck and happy planting!
Once your Dahlia cuttings or divisions are planted in the ground or potting mix respectively, there are additional steps you can take to ensure success.
When planting outside, it may help to cover the soil around each plant with mulch like straw or bark chips. This will help retain moisture and protect against weeds. It also wouldn’t hurt to add a bit of fertilizer to the soil prior to planting, as this will give your dahlia cutting or division an extra boost.
When caring for Dahlias in early spring place in a cold store to avoid frosts. Plenty of indirect sunlight and make sure that the potting mix is kept moist but not overly wet. You may also want to add a tomato cage around each plant to help support their stems as they grow taller.
By following these few tips, you can ensure that your propagated Dahlias have the best chance at success! Good luck and happy gardening!
Our range of Dahlia Tubers
We stock a great range of dahlias, including Cactus Dahlias, Dark Leaved Dahlias, Decorative Dahlias, Dwarf & Bedding Dahlias, Pom Pom Dahlias and Tree Dahlias.
