
If you want to know how deep you plant dahlia tubers, the simple answer, in my experience, is that most dahlia tubers will grow if planted around 4 to 6 inches deep. But you do need to take account of soil conditions and temperatures.
And when it comes to soil conditions and temperatures, these are the principles relating to planting depth when growing dahlias that you need to bear in mind:
- In general, hotter climates and lighter soils call for deeper planting, while cooler climates and heavier soils need shallower depths.
- The ideal planting depth for dahlia tubers ranges from 3 inches to 7 inches (75 to 175mm), depending on your climate and soil type.
- In hot climates with sandy soils, aim for a depth of 6-7 inches (150-175mm). You need to bury the tubers deeply to protect them from heat and drying out.
- In cooler areas with heavy soil, a depth of 3-4 inches (75-100mm) is sufficient. Your tubers need less depth, so that the shoots can break through the heavy soil.
- Plant the tubers of large varieties of dahlias deeper, as this helps them produce extra roots and a sturdier plant.
To be honest, there is also not a huge amount of agreement among dahlia experts as to how deep to plant, and whether it really makes much difference. For example, in his book “The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Dahlias”, dahlia expert Gareth Rowlands says:
“How deep to plant is a question that gives rise to great argument among dahlia growers. …Some growers regularly plant all their varieties as deep as possible. Others say that deep planting does not suit some dahlias.”
But the bottom line is: take account of your soil conditions and to plant the dahlia tubers deep enough for protection from temperature extremes. But not too deep that shoots and roots have difficulty developing.
Pay attention to your specific growing conditions. With the right planting depth and care, your dahlias will thrive.
Key Takeaways:
- Planting depth is important for successful dahlia cultivation.
- The ideal planting depth for dahlia tubers depends on actors such as soil type, frost conditions, and extremes of climate.
- Planting too shallow or too deep can impact dahlia growth and blooming.
- Timing is important when planting dahlia tubers to ensure they are protected from frost damage.
- Key Takeaways:
- Planting in clay soil
- Planting in sandy soil
- Planting in loamy soil
- Planting Dahlia Tubers Before Sprouting
- Planting dahlia tubers after sprouting
- How deep should I plant dahlia tubers?
- What is the ideal planting depth for dahlia tubers in clay soil?
- How should I plant dahlia tubers in sandy soil?
- What is the planting depth for dahlia tubers in loamy soil?
- Are there any dahlia varieties that should be planted especially deep or especially shallow?
What is planting depth?
So, with those principles in mind, what do we mean when we refer to planting your dahlia tuber at a particular depth?
Quite simply, the planting depth is the distance between the top of the tuber (ie the crown) and the soil surface.
Therefore, when digging a hole to plant your tubers in, you need to make it deep enough to accommodate the tubers, plus the planting depth.

Depth when planting dahlia tubers in different soil types
The ideal planting depth for dahlia tubers depends on the type of soil you have. Loamy soils are not really a concern, but you do need to take care when planting in heavy clay or very light sandy soils. Here’s what you need to know about planting dahlia tubers in different soil types.
Planting in clay soil
Clay soil is dense and heavy, and holds water well, making it a challenge for dahlia tubers to grow. To ensure the dahlia tuber doesn’t rot, plant at a depth of 3-4 inches. Make sure you add some sand, grit, and/or loose garden compost to your clay soil. This improves its drainage ability and allows the shoots to more easily find their way to the surface.
Planting in sandy soil
Sandy soil drains well and does not hold moisture near the surface, which can cause dahlia tubers to dry out. To ensure the tubers are in soil that better retains moisture, plant them at a depth of 6-8 inches. You can also add some organic matter such as compost or peat moss, to hold moisture and improve the soil’s fertility.
Planting in loamy soil
Loamy soil provides the best growing conditions for dahlias, and you can plant the tubers at a depth of 4-5 inches. Loamy soil is a mixture of clay, silt, and sand, and it’s moderately fertile and drains well enough to prevent the tubers from rotting.
Soil Type | Planting Depth | Soil Characteristics |
---|---|---|
Clay | 3-4 inches | Dense, heavy, and holds water well |
Sandy | 6-8 inches | Drains moisture quickly |
Loamy | 4-5 inches | Moderately fertile and drains well |
Regardless of soil type, make sure the soil is free of rocks, debris, and weeds. Once the dahlia tubers have been planted, water them and keep them moist but don’t let them get waterlogged.
Planting dahlia tubers before and after the last frosts
Timing is everything when planting dahlia tubers, especially in regions that get frost. It’s crucial to know when to plant to avoid damage. In areas that get deep hard frosts, you should usually plant dahlia tubers after the last expected frost date.
In milder areas, you can plant your un-sprouted tubers a few weeks before the last frost. But if you do, you should plant them deep so that the new shoots don’t break through the soil before the last frost has passed.
In most cases, it is worth waiting until the soil temperature warms up, as there is not much to be gained in terms of earlier flowering by planting tubers out too early.

Planting dahlia tubers before and after sprouting
Planting dahlia tubers at the right planting time is key to ensuring successful growth. Knowing when to plant tubers before or after sprouting is an important consideration. Depending on the stage of sprouting, the planting depth should be adjusted to promote healthy growth and prevent damage to the tubers.
Planting Dahlia Tubers Before Sprouting
When planting dahlia tubers before sprouting, follow the guidelines above for soil types and frost conditions.
As noted, planting tubers too early before the last frost can be detrimental to their growth. Waiting until the ground has warmed up and frost has passed is normally the best option. The growing season is usually long enough, even in cooler areas, for you to grow a beautifully flowering dahlia plant, or indeed several plants with beautiful dahlia flowers.
Planting dahlia tubers after sprouting
When planting dahlia tubers after the tubers have sprouted, it is important to adjust the planting depth to accommodate their growth. The ideal depth after sprouting is between 4 to 6 inches below the soil line.
This depth allows for the sprouts to have enough space while also protecting the tubers. However, remember to adjust this for your soil type.
In very sandy soils, plant a couple of inches deeper.
Planting dahlia tubers in hot conditions
If you live in a particularly hot region, planting dahlia tubers can be a challenge. Understanding the ideal planting depth is essential to ensure the tubers don’t dry out or rot in the heat. Follow these guidelines to achieve successful growth:
- Plant dahlia tubers in a location with partial shade to protect them from scorching sun;
- Ensure the soil is well-draining and moist, but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot;
- Plant the tubers deeper than in cooler conditions, at a depth of 6-8 inches, as this will keep them cooler and shielded from the heat.
- Adding plenty of mulch on the soil surface and around the plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
How deep to plant dahlia tubers in pots
Here’s what you need to know about dahlia planting depth when growing dahlias in pots.
Dahlia tubers should be planted about 6-8 inches deep in pots. Pots easily dry out, so planting the tubers deeply helps protect them from heat and drying out.
They’ll need plenty of space to grow, so make sure to choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches wide.
When it comes to soil, dahlias prefer a loose, well-drained potting mix. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, be sure to drill some good-sized holes in the base. Also add some rocks or pebbles to the bottom before adding soil. This will help ensure that your dahlias don’t sit in water, which can lead to rot.
Once you’ve got your pot and soil ready, it’s time to plant your tuber. Gently loosen the soil at the bottom of the pot, then insert the tuber with the “eyes” facing up, so that it will be 6 to 8 inches below the soil surface.
Cover the tuber with soil, then water well. But don’t water again until you see some shoots emerging. That will mean the tuber has also grown feeder roots and can absorb the moisture in the potting mix.
Conclusion
Remember, when planting dahlia tubers, it’s important to consider the different soil types, frost conditions, sprouting stages, and any climate extremes in your region. By following the recommended planting depths and techniques in our guide, you can help ensure the healthy growth and stunning blooms of your dahlias.
FAQ
How deep should I plant dahlia tubers?
The average recommended planting depth for dahlia tubers is around 4-6 inches. This ensures that the tubers are safely rooted and protected while allowing the sprouts to emerge easily. Plant deeper in very sand soils, and shallower in heavy clay soils.
What is the ideal planting depth for dahlia tubers in clay soil?
When planting dahlia tubers in clay soil, it is best to place them at a depth of 6-8 inches. This allows for proper drainage and prevents waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the tubers’ growth.
How should I plant dahlia tubers in sandy soil?
In sandy soil, it is recommended to plant dahlias at a depth of 3-4 inches. This ensures that the tubers remain adequately moist without being submerged in excess water.
What is the planting depth for dahlia tubers in loamy soil?
For loamy soil, the ideal planting depth for dahlia tubers is around 5-6 inches. This allows for proper root development and nutrient absorption, leading to healthy dahlia plants.
Are there any dahlia varieties that should be planted especially deep or especially shallow?
No, generally all varieties of dahlias should be planted at the same depth, which is about four to six inches deep. However, the planting depth can also depend on the size of the tuber. Greater depth might be needed for very large tubers. Also remember, the eye on the tuber should always face upwards. It’s not about the variety of dahlia, but rather the size of the tuber.
References
The Gardener’s Guide to Growing Dahlia – Gareth Rowlands
More on growing dahlias
You can also get much more guidance on growing dahlias in these posts:
- Taking care of dahlias: the trick with deadheading
- Dahlia pinnata: a dahlia original
- How to grow dahlias: the complete guide to dahlia care
- How to overwinter dahlia plants and tubers
- How to stop or pinch out dahlias
- All you need to know about dahlia tubers and dahlia bulbs
- Dahlia varieties: your complete guide to all types of dahlias
- Dahlias in my garden: Six on Saturday
- Dahlia Wizard of Oz – Beautiful pink pompon dahlia
- Can you grow dahlias in raised beds?
- Do dahlias grow in Florida?
- Dahlia Wine Eyed Jill
- Can you grow dahlias in a tropical climate?
- Dahlia Ivanetti: magnificent magent dahlia
- Dahlia Night Silence – dusky pink dahlia beauty
- Visit a dahlia farm near you
- Best mulch for dahlias: a comprehensive guide
- Dahlia Islander: large, pink, loud, showy. What’s not to like?
- Heat tolerant dahlias: beat the heat with these 120 choice varieties
- Dahlia gall: identify and prevent leafy gall and crown gall in dahlias
- When to plant out dahlia tubers
Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.