A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2007 Starting Dahlia tubers in pots

I just picked up my first set of dahlia tubers. Usually, i stat my own dahlias from seed, but decided to try this new this year. I have these 2 tuber sets I bought at a flower show, and would love some "good" advice on how (or if) they can be started and grown in pots? I really would rather keep them in pots instead of seeting them in, but I am willing to wait to set them in if I have to. I live in USA z5, and really wanted to see these pretty little ladies dazzle my later this year! i guess one could call me the impatient gardener...

I grow mine every year in pots. It is easier to bring in for the winter. I do not take it out of the pot.

But if you are going to start I would put it in a warm place in Damp soil. Not soaking just moist. About a 1/2 cup of water for a gallon pot.

When you see leaves start to give it a little more water.

I have been putting this one out for 3 years. I take some of the babies out and put them in the ground for the summer those I do not dig up. It is too much work.

That is beautiful, Cinta !
You mean you use a 1 gallon pot?
I was told that a 5 gallon pot is best, but if you use the smaller size, I'm interested in knowing which dahlia does best, and if you use anything larger?

I use decorative 1 gallon and larger depending on what arrangement I am doing.

The 5 gallon I had Bengel Tiger Canna, Yellow Dahalia and coleus. I wish I had taken a pic that one was beautiful. I like putting dahlias in with my Cannas.

OK, good to know, thanks.
Your arrangements sound gorgeous !
It was a dahlia grower/dahlia show judge who told me to plant the tubers in 5 gallon pots.