Hey everyone! I'm about to dive into my first attempt at growing dahlias from both bulbs (or tubers, sorry for the mix-up!) and seeds. Since I'm located in zone 5b, I'm wondering when the best time to start pre-sprouting my dahlia bulbs is. I just started some seeds this morning too. Thanks in advance for your help! ? Happy Gardening! ?
2 Answers
You definitely can start those seeds, but for this year, they might not bloom since they usually take longer to mature. As for the tubers, if you plant them after frost, they should do just fine. Pre-sprouting is a good idea to get a head start! Just make sure to look up the specific dates for your area for optimal results.
You're in for a treat with dahlias! Just remember, they aren't cold hardy at all. If temps drop to freezing, they can be damaged. In your zone, I usually wait until after the last frost date to plant the tubers outside. You can definitely start them indoors to get a jump on the season, but make sure they get plenty of sunlight once you move them outside. Keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid late frosts!
Thanks for the advice! I'll check those dates and get my tubers ready. Really excited to see them grow!