I want to grow dahlias!  How do I start? This is a great question and as an experienced Dahlia Grower and Farmer-Florist, at Emerald Angel Dahlias, this is one of my favorite topics about growing dahlias.

Dahlias come in so many beautiful colors and varieties, from the tiny smokey purple KoKo Puff to dinnerplate size blush Café Au Lait.  Some dahlias are small sized and perfect for adding to a pot on your deck, and some are 6 feet tall!  

The small dahlias that are perfect for adding to a pot can be found at many local greenhouses, as blooming plants that can go right in your garden, ready to bloom.  

The larger dahlias are grown from seeds or tubers.  See the tuber pictured below!  You can choose a variety that will grow into a full-size blooming plant this season.  You will be able to choose the color and plant height that suits you!  Dahlias range from dark mahogany colors to reds, oranges, purples, pinks, yellows, blush and white, so you can choose and mix and match to your heart’s content. 

Where do I get Dahlia Tubers?

Where do I get dahlia tubers?  Many dahlia growers sell tubers.  Here is Michigan, we are blessed with many growers and flower farmers.  A quick google search will come up with many local farms that have wonderful and varied selections for you to choose from. I will have dahlia tubers for sale in the fall of 2024 at our flower farm, Emerald Angel Dahlias.

Let’s take a look at dahlia tubers!

Dahlia Tubers have a body, a neck and a crown with a growing point called an eye.  Each plant needs about 14 inches of planting space. They are planted on their sides with the growing point planted upwards, toward the sun!  They are planted about 2 inches under the soil after the danger of frost has passed in your area, and are happiest in an area with full sun.  An awesome thing about dahlia growers, it their love of dahlias.  They are more than happy to share their knowledge and help to spread the joy of the flowers we love!  If you have questions, as you get started, there is a lot of help available through articles like this one in my Get In The Flow Blog, in our Michigan Dahlia Divas FaceBook Group and other great resources on the internet. In season we also offer visits to our flower farm for getting cuttings for DIY Dahlia arrangements. We will also have flowers and tubers available in our Farm Market Stand at Emerald Angel Dahlias located at the Up North Rivers Lodge in Manistee, Michigan. Visit our Contact Page to reach out or view our location.

Happy growing!  

Jaye