DahLia Tuber FAQs

A quick note ABOUT DAHLIA TUBERS

Dahlia tubers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are long and skinny, some are short and round, some are smooth, some are a little bumpy. As long as your tuber is firm, has a neck, and has an eye, it has everything it needs to grow into a beautiful plant.

Questions or concerns?

Please take a moment to look over your tubers when they arrive. If something doesn’t seem right, reach out within 48 hours and include a photo so we can take a look. I’m always happy to help. Please read our full Dahlia Tuber Policy here.

I’m not ready to plant yet. What should I do?

If your tubers arrive before you're ready to plant, that’s completely fine. Store them in a cool, dark, frost-free place until planting time. You can keep them in the bag they arrived in, just make sure there is a little airflow to prevent moisture from building up. And it’s a good idea to check on them every week or so to make sure they aren’t drying out or getting too soft.

I don’t see a sprout. Is something wrong?

Not at all. Tubers don’t always arrive with visible sprouts, and that’s completely normal. Some varieties take longer than others to wake up. Every tuber we send is inspected to make sure it has an eye.

What exactly is an “eye”?

An eye is the small growing point on the tuber where the plant will sprout from. It can look like a tiny bump or raised spot, and it’s often easier to see once the tuber begins to wake up.

My sprout broke off. Will it still grow?

Yes. Sprouts can be a little fragile, especially during shipping. If one breaks off, the tuber will grow a new one. Just plant as you normally would and give it time.

My tuber looks wrinkled. Is it still ok?

In most cases, yes. Tubers can lose a bit of moisture during storage and shipping, which can cause some wrinkling. Certain varieties are more prone to wrinkling as well. As long as the tuber feels relatively firm and has an eye, it will still grow beautifully.

My tuber feels soft. Should I be concerned?

A little softness is okay. If the tuber feels slightly pliable, it is still be viable. If it feels very mushy or like it’s collapsing, that’s something to reach out about.

I see a little mold. What should I do?

A small amount of surface mold can happen during shipping. You can gently wipe it off and allow the tuber to dry before placing it back into storage. Good airflow will help prevent it from returning.

What if my tuber doesn’t grow?

Dahlias can take a little time to wake up, especially in cooler conditions. For best results, plant once your soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Cold, wet soil is the most common reason tubers struggle. After planting, hold off on watering until you see sprouts above the soil. Too much moisture early on can cause the tuber to rot before it ever gets going. Once conditions are right, tubers typically sprout within a few weeks. If you don’t see any signs of growth after several weeks, you can gently dig up the tuber and check on it.