If you’ve ever been wowed by the dazzling display of dahlia blooms, you’ll know they’re the crown jewels of any garden. But what if I told you that multiplying your favorite dahlias is as easy as pie?
Whether you’re looking to multiply your favorite variety or simply want more blooms all season long, propagating dahlias is easier than you think.
Want to know the secret to growing a garden full of dahlias that steal the show? Keep reading, because today, I’m sharing the four best ways to propagate dahlias for lush, vibrant blooms all season long. Trust me, your garden – and your heart – will thank you!
#1 Dividing Tubers
Think of dividing tubers as turning one dahlia into a whole bouquet of blooms. This method involves cutting your dahlia’s tuber into smaller sections, each of which will grow into a new plant.
It’s a savvy, wallet-friendly way to build up your garden without breaking the bank. The best part? It’s as easy as pie – all you need is a little patience and a sharp knife.
Start the process after your dahlias have gone dormant for the season, usually following the first frost. Carefully dig up the tubers, making sure you don’t damage them in the process. Once removed from the soil, brush off any excess dirt and examine the tuber clump.
Using a sharp, sterile knife, slice through the clump, ensuring each division has at least one “eye” – that’s the key to new growth. The more eyes, the more new plants you’ll have!
After dividing the tubers, let them sit in a dry, well-ventilated spot for a couple of days to prevent rotting. Once they’re ready, plant them in rich, well-drained soil, making sure the eyes face up.
All that’s left to do is to thoroughly cover them with a few inches of soil and water well. Over time, you’ll watch as fresh shoots emerge, promising a garden full of dahlias in every shape and color.
#2 Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the fastest route to growing more of the dahlias you adore, and it’s like getting a clone of your favorite plant. It’s like hitting ‘copy’ on your most cherished dahlia and watching it bloom again. Isn’t that awesome?
To propagate your dahlia, cut a healthy stem four to six inches long, just below the leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves, leaving just a few at the top, and dip the end in rooting hormone – think of it as giving your cutting a little extra luck.
Plant it in a pot with light, well-draining soil, and water it gently. Find a warm, indirect light spot for your cutting and keep the soil moist but not drowning. In no time, you’ll see roots forming, and you’ll have a brand-new dahlia plant to nurture!
#3 Seed Propagation
If you’re in the mood for a bit of a gardening adventure, seed propagation is the perfect way to grow dahlias from scratch.
While seed propagation may take a bit more time and patience than dividing tubers or taking cuttings, the payoff is well worth the wait. It’s like planting a surprise package. Who knows what stunning colors and shapes will bloom from those tiny seeds!
I know you’re probably too excited, so let’s see how you can easily propagate your dahlias from seeds! Plant your dahlia seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost.
Use a seed-starting mix and gently press the tiny seeds into the soil, covering them with just a light dusting. Place the tray in a warm, bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight, and water carefully to maintain even moisture.
Within a few weeks, tiny shoots will begin to appear, and once they’re large enough, you can transplant them into your garden for a colorful display in just a few months!
#4 Layering
Layering is like giving your dahlia a second chance to multiply without lifting a finger – literally! It’s a method that lets you grow new plants from the existing stem of your dahlia, making it perfect for those who want to propagate without disturbing the plant too much.
To propagate using layering, pick a healthy, low-growing stem and gently bend it toward the ground. Lightly scrape a small patch where you’d like the roots to sprout, then tuck that part into the soil like you’re tucking it in for a cozy nap, leaving the tip above ground.
Keep the soil damp, and before you know it, roots will start to appear. Once those roots are strong and ready to roll, snip the stem from the parent and give your new dahlia its own home in the garden.
Layering is not only easy but also a fun way to expand your dahlia garden!
Why settle for just one dahlia when you can have a garden full? Pick a method and start your propagation journey today!