Dahlias are one of the most sought after flowers at the moment and for good reason. Dahlias provide a beautiful source of color throughout summer and into fall and are available in many different forms and colors. They also multiply tubers which means each year you can have even more plants from the original. Here are a few of my favorite growing resources and tuber sources.
Favorite Books
One book I suggest reading for anyone who is interested in growing dahlias is Discovering Dahlias by Erin Benzakein. This book is not only a great coffee table book with wonderful photographs, but provides a wealth of information on all the basic fundamentals of growing dahlias and even gives a peak into some of their favorite varieties. Kristine Albrecht, a dahlia breeder, also has two great books for anyone interested in dahlias. One is specific to dahlia breeding and is called Dahlia Breeding for the Farmer Florist and the Home Gardener. Another book she has written recently is a great comprehensive guide to all things dahlia from start to finish called Dahlias: Seed to Bloom: The Dahlia Grower’s Companion.
Dahlia Tubers
Dahlia tubers are typically sold in one of two ways: clumps or individual tubers. The clumps often have many tubers attached to one neck that you can plant together to ensure a plant grows. An individual tuber looks much like a potato, but can be long or thin too. As long as a tuber has an eye, it will grow. Longfield Gardens is a source we have used for many years. Pre-orders begin in December and they are packaged in clumps. Most ship in a 3 pack bag which will include 3 clumps that can be planted individually in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Triple Wren Farms is a family based farm in Washington state that sells unique varieties of dahlia tubers. They even have specialty dahlias that are bred by different dahlia growers in the US. Summer Dreams Farm is also another favorite based in Michigan. Their tubers are some of the healthiest I have ever received. If you’re looking for a specific dahlia, Dahlia Addict is a great website to find specific varieties sold by growers in the US.
Dahlia Cuttings
Cuttings have become more popular in recent years. Cuttings are small stems of growth that are taken from the tuber and rooted in a medium such as root cubes or soil. These cuttings produce identical plants to the parent tuber and can grow to produce flowers and tubers in their first year of growth. Stonehouse Dahlias is one popular source for cuttings of the KA variety.
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