✦ Lamb Lake Dahlias ✦
Everything you need to grow beautiful dahlias from our tubers — zone 6b tips, season-by-season guidance, and our full care guide.
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Have a Growing Question? Ask Us6–8 hours of direct sun daily. In Michigan, full sun all day is ideal. Don't plant in shade — you'll get tall, floppy stems and few blooms.
In Zone 6b Michigan, that means mid-May to early June. Soil should be at least 60°F. Cold soil = no growth and potential rot.
After planting, wait until you see green sprouts before watering. Then water deeply 2–3x per week at the base — never on the leaves.
When plants hit 12–16 inches, pinch the central tip. This single step makes a dramatic difference — more stems, more flowers all season.
Install stakes when you plant — don't wait. Disturbing roots later can damage tubers. Tall varieties especially need support before they lean.
Dahlias are cut-and-come-again. The more you cut and deadhead, the more the plant blooms. Don't let flowers go to seed — keep cutting!
Inspect tubers for firmness. Store in a cool (45–55°F), dark, dry location — a basement works great. Don't freeze them, and don't plant yet. A cardboard box with a little peat moss keeps them perfect until planting time.
✓ Never store wet tubersPlant tubers 4–6 inches deep with the eye facing up, in full sun after last frost. Space large varieties 18–24 inches apart. Install stakes now. Do not water until you see sprouts.
✓ Soil temp must be 60°F+When plants reach 12–16 inches, pinch the central growing tip just above a leaf set. Your plant will branch out and produce many more flowers — this is the single most impactful thing you can do.
✓ Skip for giant exhibition varietiesDahlias begin blooming in mid-to-late July in Michigan and bloom right through frost. Cut flowers in the morning with long stems, place immediately in cool water. Deadhead spent blooms constantly. The more you cut, the more they bloom!
✓ Cut when blooms are 2/3 open for longest vase lifeAfter frost blackens the foliage, wait about a week for skins to toughen, then carefully dig the clump. Cut stems to 4 inches. Let cure upside-down for a few days, brush off soil, label clearly, and store in a cool dry place for winter.
✓ Label everything — they all look alike!Michigan-grown, hand-dug, and ready for your garden. Questions? We're always happy to help.