Is it too early to plant Dahlias - Ask Extension
I read that Dahlias can be planted in late April as long as we don't get a hard freeze. The ground where they are going to go is no longer frozen and...
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Is it too early to plant Dahlias #864740
Asked April 16, 2024, 12:45 PM EDT
I read that Dahlias can be planted in late April as long as we don't get a hard freeze. The ground where they are going to go is no longer frozen and easy to work. Is it too early still? Should I wait until mid-May to plant them along with my annuals? Thanks for the help
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Janet,
Yes, that is true, but also a concern is the soil temperature and the potential for rain. Dahlias are very intolerant of cold, wet soils. It would be best to wait to plant until the beginning of May...or even mid-May. The tubers won't start growing until the soil temperature is 60 degrees. This usually happens in late May or early June. (This is also the ideal temp to plant tomatoes)
If you can keep them in a cool, dry place until the soil warms a little, that would be best. You can measure soil temp at 8am at a depth of 2 inches - I suspect we're still in the low 50s.
Yes, that is true, but also a concern is the soil temperature and the potential for rain. Dahlias are very intolerant of cold, wet soils. It would be best to wait to plant until the beginning of May...or even mid-May. The tubers won't start growing until the soil temperature is 60 degrees. This usually happens in late May or early June. (This is also the ideal temp to plant tomatoes)
If you can keep them in a cool, dry place until the soil warms a little, that would be best. You can measure soil temp at 8am at a depth of 2 inches - I suspect we're still in the low 50s.
Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to know!
