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Saturday, May 9, 2009

How to Propagate Dahlias Using Cuttings

We have this gorgeous dahlia in the garden, and I want to make more of this lovely plant. Here's how to do it.
To propagate dahlias, you will need sharp scissors, potting soil in a container, and something to poke holes into the soil with like a dibber, a pencil, or a spoon handle. You can also use rooting powder to encourage root growth.
On a healthy dahlia plant, find a long side shoot with at least 3 leaf nodes.
Cut just under the last node you want to include. (The roots will grow from the bottom and the last node)
Keep your cuttings fresh in a container of water while you collect more.
Trim off the leaves on the last node, and remove any flower buds. You want the cutting to focus on growing roots instead of supporting flowers.
Dip the cutting, including the last node, into the rooting powder and tap off the excess. Be careful not to touch or inhale the rooting powder. Use gloves if necessary.

Note: it is not necessary to use rooting powder.
Make a deep hole into your potting soil with your poking device, and insert the dahlia stem. Use your poking device to push soil against the cutting so that it is buried.
Water your cuttings generously and put them in a warm location with indirect sunlight. They should be ready to transplant in 2-4 weeks.

UPDATES!
Dahlia Propagation - Week Two
Dahlia Propagation - Week Three

Happy Gardening!

How To Propagate Plants

10 comments:

madison house designs said...

Thank you for posting this and your other related stories. I've always wanted to try this and never knew it was that easy to do. Awesome!

bananaicecream said...

Thanks for the great tips!!!

dellgirl said...

I am very glad I found your blog, it is beautiful. It is so kind of you to share this information. Now I know where to come for information.

UniqueNurseGranny said...

What an effective tutorial.These were next to roses in my Grandmas favorites to grow.

ShabbyNChic said...

This is great! I am so glad it is time to garden again. Great pictures.

Anonymous said...

What a great post!! I love this idea! It's so smart, and saves money too! :)

Deborah Lambson said...

I love dahlias..some of my favorite flowers. Great post!

Hope said...

Thank you. It's nice to meet you.

Anonymous said...

This is one of the best tutorial I have seen. I have an additional question. I live in zone 5 where dahlia's are an annual. If I want to take cuttings to overwinter and plant again in the spring. When do I do that? How many cuttings does an average plant produce and can I take cuttings from the clones or do I have to take them from the mother plant?

Felicia Kramer said...

I have the same question that Anonymous had. I love dahlias but I'm in zone 6. My one attempt to over-winter dahlia bulbs turned out an ugly mess, with stringy white roots winding around and around the tub! Yech! What did I do wrong?