Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Dahlia Cuttings

If you’re looking to expand your dahlia collection without breaking the bank, taking cuttings is a brilliant method. Not only does it allow you to clone your favourite varieties, but it also gives you a head start on the growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this guide will walk you through propagating dahlias from cuttings.

Why Take Dahlia Cuttings?

Cost-Effective: Multiply your plants without purchasing more tubers.
Preserve Favourite Varieties: Make sure your beloved dahlias return year after year.
Early Blooms: Cuttings can lead to earlier flowering compared to tubers planted directly in the ground.

When to Take Cuttings

The ideal time to take dahlia cuttings is in early spring, typically from late February to April in the UK. This timing allows the cuttings to develop roots before being transplanted outdoors after the last frost.

What You’ll Need

Healthy dahlia tubers
Clean, sharp knife or scalpel
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)
Small pots or seed trays
Sterile, well-draining potting mix
Clear plastic bags or a propagator
Labels and a pencil

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify Suitable Shoots

Once the shoots are about 7–10 cm tall and have at least two sets of leaves, they’re ready for cutting. Choose healthy, vigorous shoots for the best results.

2. Take the Cuttings

Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully cut the shoot right at the base, ideally with a small sliver of the tuber attached. This piece of tuber can enhance rooting success due to the presence of growth hormones.

3. Apply Rooting Hormone

If you prefer, you can dip the cut end of the shoot into rooting hormone to encourage root development. While this step is optional, it can increase the success rate of your cuttings.

4. Plant the Cuttings

Fill small pots with some gritty compost. Make a hole in the compost at the edge of the pot with a pencil or dibber, and insert the cutting. Firm the soil around the base to ensure good contact.

5. Create a Humid Environment

Place the pots or trays inside a propagator or cover them with clear plastic bags to maintain humidity. Keep them out of direct sunlight but somewhere warm.

6. Monitor and Maintain

Check the cuttings regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. After 2–3 weeks, you should see signs of new growth, indicating successful rooting. At this point, gradually acclimate the young plants to normal humidity levels by removing the cover for increasing periods each day.

7. Potting On

Once the cuttings have established roots and show robust growth, transplant them into larger pots to continue growing until they’re ready to be planted outdoors after the last frost has passed.

Tips for Success

Label Everything: Keep track of different varieties by labeling each cutting.
Maintain Cleanliness: Use sterile tools and potting mix to prevent disease.
Be Patient: Not all cuttings will succeed, but with practice, your success rate will improve.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to propagating your favourite dahlias and enjoying a garden full of vibrant blooms. Happy gardening!

If you’d like to see it in action, you can watch the full video over on my YouTube channel @EliandKate.