Collection: Dahlia tubers

When you receive your dahlia tubers, it's important to ensure they’re healthy and ready to grow. Here's a simple guide to help you assess their viability:

👁️ 1. Look for Eyes or Sprouts

• Eyes are small, raised bumps—often pink or green—that appear on the crown of the tuber.
• These are the growth points where stems will emerge.
• If you see sprouts, even better! It means the tuber is already waking up and ready to grow.

🧬 2. Examine the Neck

• The neck connects the tuber to the crown (where the eyes form).
• A healthy neck should be intact and firm, but even if it’s partially damaged, the tuber may still grow as long as it’s not completely severed.
• Think of it like a bruised stem—it might look rough, but it can still support growth.

🫛 3. Feel the Body (Firmness Test)

• The body of the tuber should feel firm, but a little softness is okay.

Here's a helpful comparison:

• Firm like a carrot or potato – ideal!
• Slightly soft like a ripe avocado – still viable. ( I will put this in damp potting soil asap)
• Mushy like an overripe tomato – likely rotting. (Take a picture quick and send to seller and ask for a refund or replacement)
• Dry and shriveled like old garlic – too dehydrated to grow. (ditto on avocado and tomato above!)
• A viable tuber may feel slightly pliable but should still hold its shape and not leak or collapse under gentle pressure.

Healthy dahlia tubers are the first step to a stunning summer garden. If you're ever unsure, feel free to reach out—we're here to help you grow with confidence!