Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Seasonal Cycle of Buying Dahlias
- Tubers vs. Potted Plants: When to Buy Which
- Why Early Ordering Matters
- Understanding Shipping and Hardiness Zones
- Can You Buy Dahlias Too Late?
- What to Look for When Buying
- Planning Your Dahlia Purchase by Type
- Where to Buy: Online vs. Local
- Getting Ready for Your Delivery
- Summary of the Dahlia Buying Timeline
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
The moment those first dahlia catalogs arrive in the mail or appear in your inbox, it is hard not to feel a surge of excitement. These spectacular flowers, with their kaleidoscope of colors and intricate petal shapes, are the crown jewels of the summer and fall garden. Whether you are dreaming of massive dinnerplate dahlias the size of a frisbee or tidy little pompons for your kitchen table, the journey begins with knowing exactly when to start your shopping.
We at Longfield Gardens know that timing is everything when it comes to securing the most sought-after varieties. Because dahlias have grown so much in popularity, the best window for buying is often much earlier than you might expect. This guide will walk you through the seasonal cycle of dahlia availability so you can plan your garden with confidence.
Knowing the right time to buy ensures you get the varieties you love and helps you time your planting for a season full of vibrant, healthy color.
The Seasonal Cycle of Buying Dahlias
Understanding the commerce of dahlias is the first step to becoming a successful grower. Unlike many other perennials that are available year-round in some form, dahlias follow a very specific seasonal rhythm. Most home gardeners buy dahlias as dormant tubers, which are thickened underground stems that look a bit like a bunch of carrots.
The buying season generally falls into two distinct categories: the presale period and the active shipping season.
The Winter Presale: The Best for Variety
The most important time for buying dahlias is actually during the winter months. Many online retailers, including us at Longfield Gardens, open their stores for "presales" as early as late fall or the first weeks of January. During this time, the tubers are still safely tucked away in climate-controlled storage, but you can reserve yours for the upcoming spring.
Buying during the winter presale is the secret to getting "first dibs" on the most popular colors and shapes. Many specialized varieties, such as the creamy Café au Lait, can sell out months before it is actually time to put them in the ground.
The deep, moody Arabian Night can sell out months before it is actually time to put them in the ground.
The Spring Shopping Window
As the weather begins to turn in March and April, the second wave of buying begins. This is the "in-stock" season where retailers have a clear picture of their final inventory. This is a great time for gardeners who may have missed the early winter rush or those who decided to add a few more rows to their garden at the last minute.
By late spring—typically May and June—the selection begins to narrow. However, this is also when you might find local garden centers stocking potted dahlia plants that have already been started in greenhouses. While these offer instant gratification, they usually come in a much smaller range of varieties than what you can find during the tuber buying season.
Key Takeaway: For the widest selection of colors and flower shapes, plan to shop online between January and March. If you prefer to see green leaves before you buy, wait for local garden centers to stock potted plants in late spring.
Tubers vs. Potted Plants: When to Buy Which
When you search for when to buy dahlia plants, you will find two main options: dormant tubers and actively growing potted plants. Each has its own timeline and benefits.
Buying Dormant Tubers
Tubers are the most common way to buy dahlias. They are easy to ship, cost-effective, and offer the greatest diversity of flower types.
- When to buy: January through April.
- Best for: Gardeners who want specific, named varieties and are willing to wait for them to grow from scratch.
- What to expect: You will receive a dormant root system that looks like a cluster of small potatoes. It may or may not have a visible "eye" (a growth bud) when it arrives, but it is ready to sprout once the soil warms up.
Buying Potted Dahlia Plants
If you miss the tuber buying window or want to see exactly what you are getting, you can buy started plants. These are dahlias that a grower has already sprouted and nurtured in a pot.
- When to buy: Late April through June.
- Best for: Filling unexpected gaps in the garden or for those who started their garden planning a bit later in the season.
- What to expect: A plant with several inches of green growth. These often bloom a bit earlier than tubers because they have a head start, but they are typically more expensive than buying dormant tubers.
Why Early Ordering Matters
It might feel strange to shop for flowers while there is still snow on the ground, but early ordering is the most practical move for a dahlia lover. Gardeners often ask why retailers open their shops so early. The reason is simple: demand.
Dahlias are produced by growers who harvest the tubers in the fall. Once the harvest is complete and the tubers are cleaned and inspected, the inventory is set for the entire following year. There is no "restocking" once the season’s supply is sold out.
If you have your heart set on a specific color palette—perhaps for a summer wedding or a themed cutting garden—buying early ensures you aren't left with "whatever is left" come May. Early buyers also get the benefit of being first in line for shipping once the weather is safe.
What to Do Next:
- Browse dahlia categories early in the year (January/February).
- Make a list of "must-have" colors and flower sizes.
- Place your order to reserve your favorite varieties.
- Mark your calendar for your region's last frost date.
Understanding Shipping and Hardiness Zones
Even if you buy your dahlias in January, you won't see them on your doorstep the next day. Because dahlia tubers are sensitive to freezing temperatures, they cannot be shipped during the height of winter.
We time our shipments based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. If you are not sure which zone you garden in, the Hardiness Zone Map is a helpful place to start.
For gardeners in the 48 contiguous United States, this means:
- Southern Zones: Shipments may begin as early as March.
- Northern Zones: Shipments usually go out in April or early May.
You can also review our Shipping Information for more detail on when orders leave our warehouse.
By the time your dahlia tubers arrive, the soil in your area should be starting to warm, making it the perfect time to get outside and start planting.
Can You Buy Dahlias Too Late?
Is there a point where it is simply too late to buy and plant dahlias? In most parts of the country, the "cutoff" is mid-June.
Dahlias typically need about 90 to 120 days from planting to produce their best flowers. If you buy and plant in late June, you might only get a few weeks of blooms before the first frost of autumn arrives. However, because dahlias grow so quickly during the heat of mid-summer, a late-planted tuber can often catch up surprisingly well.
If you find yourself shopping in June, look for "short-season" varieties or smaller border dahlias. These tend to reach maturity and start blooming faster than the giant dinnerplate varieties, which require a much longer growing season to develop their massive flowers.
What to Look for When Buying
When you are ready to make your purchase, quality should be your top priority. Whether you are shopping at a local store or an online retailer, there are a few simple signs of a healthy dahlia. Our 100% Quality Guarantee gives you an extra layer of confidence.
Checking Tuber Quality
If you are buying in person, look for tubers that feel firm to the touch. They should not feel mushy or hollow. It is perfectly normal for tubers to have some dry skin or even a bit of surface shriveling—think of them like a potato in your pantry. As long as they aren't soft or showing signs of mold, they are healthy and ready to grow.
The Importance of the "Eye"
The "eye" is the small bump or sprout located on the neck of the tuber, where it connects to the old stem. This is where the new plant will emerge. Some tubers arrive with a visible green sprout, while others are "blind," meaning the eye is dormant and hard to see. Don't worry if you don't see a sprout right away; once the tuber is tucked into warm, moist soil, the eye will naturally wake up and begin to grow.
"A healthy dahlia starts with a firm, viable tuber. While sizes can vary depending on the variety, the most important factor is a healthy connection between the tuber and the neck where the growth bud lives."
Planning Your Dahlia Purchase by Type
Dahlias are incredibly diverse, and knowing when to buy often depends on what you want to achieve in your landscape. Different types of dahlias serve different purposes, and some are more popular than others.
Dinnerplate Dahlias
These are the showstoppers. With blooms that can reach 10 to 12 inches across, they are high in demand. If you want these, you should buy them as early as possible in the winter. They need a long growing season, so getting your order in early ensures they arrive in time for a full summer of growth.
Decorative and Cactus Dahlias
These decorative dahlias are the workhorses of the garden, providing classic shapes and vivid colors. They are widely available, but the unique "bi-color" or "fimbriated" (fringed) varieties often sell out first.
Border and Gallery Dahlias
These border dahlias stay short (usually under 2 feet) and are perfect for containers. These are often the varieties you will find for sale as potted plants in late spring. If you have limited space, these are a fantastic "late-buy" option that provides a lot of color in a small footprint.
Ball and Pompon Dahlias
Known for their perfectly symmetrical, honeycomb-like petals, these PomPon dahlias are a favorite for floral arrangements. Because they are so popular with "cut flower" enthusiasts, the most trendy colors (like peachy-pinks and deep burgundies) are often the first to disappear from inventory.
Where to Buy: Online vs. Local
Both online retailers and local garden centers have their place in a gardener's strategy.
Online Shopping (Best for Early Buying):
- Pros: Access to hundreds of varieties, convenient shipping to your door, detailed growing information, and guaranteed quality.
- Cons: You have to wait for the shipping window and cannot physically handle the tubers before they arrive.
Local Garden Centers (Best for Late Buying):
- Pros: You can see the plants or tubers before buying, no shipping costs, and you can buy exactly when you are ready to plant.
- Cons: Limited selection, often only "generic" colors (red, yellow, pink), and they may run out of stock quickly during the peak planting weekend.
Getting Ready for Your Delivery
Once you have placed your order, the anticipation begins. While you wait for your dahlias to arrive, you can take a few simple steps to ensure you are ready the moment they reach your doorstep.
- Prepare the Spot: Dahlias love sun. Identify an area that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight.
- Check the Drainage: "Drainage" simply means how fast water moves through the soil. Dahlias like consistent moisture but hate "wet feet" (standing water), which can cause the tubers to rot. If your soil is heavy clay, consider a raised bed or adding some organic matter to loosen it up.
- Gather Your Supplies: If you are planting tall varieties, you will need stakes. It is best to put the stake in the ground at the same time you plant the tuber so you don't accidentally poke a hole through the roots later in the season.
- Wait for the Warmth: Resist the urge to plant too early. Dahlia tubers are tropical plants at heart and will sit idly in cold, wet soil. Wait until the soil temperature reaches about 60°F—roughly the same time you would plant tomatoes or peppers. For step-by-step planting help, see our All About Dahlias guide.
Summary of the Dahlia Buying Timeline
To make things simple, here is a quick reference for the dahlia buying year:
- January – February: Peak online presale. Best time for variety and "must-have" collectors.
- March – April: Secondary online window and early shipping for southern zones.
- May: Prime shipping for northern zones and the appearance of potted plants in local nurseries.
- June: Last call for planting. Best for finding deals or quick-growing border varieties.
Conclusion
Buying dahlias is one of the most rewarding parts of the gardening year. By understanding the seasonal cycle—from the early winter presales to the late spring garden center rush—you can ensure your garden is filled with the exact colors and shapes you envision. We at Longfield Gardens are proud to help you find the perfect tubers for your space, whether you are a first-time gardener or a long-time dahlia enthusiast.
Remember, gardening is meant to be an enjoyable journey. Don't worry if you didn't buy your tubers the very second they went on sale; there are always beautiful options available throughout the spring. The most important step is simply getting started.
"The best time to buy dahlias is when you find a color that makes you smile. Whether you order in the depths of winter or pick up a potted plant in May, the joy of watching those first green shoots emerge is a highlight of every gardening season."
Ready to start your dahlia journey? The first step is to explore the colors and shapes that speak to you. With a little bit of planning and the right timing, you will be well on your way to a spectacular summer display.
FAQ
When is the best time to order dahlias online?
The best time to order is between January and March. This is when most retailers have their full inventory available, giving you the best chance to secure popular or rare varieties before they sell out.
Can I buy dahlia tubers in the fall?
Most retailers do not sell dahlia tubers in the fall because that is when they are being harvested and processed for storage. However, you might see presale options appear in late fall or early winter for delivery the following spring.
Is it better to buy tubers or potted plants?
It depends on your goals. Tubers offer a much wider variety of flower types and are more economical, while potted plants give you a head start and instant green growth in the garden.
What should I do if I bought my tubers but it’s too cold to plant?
If your tubers arrive before the soil is warm enough to plant, simply keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep them in their original packaging (often peat moss or wood shavings) to prevent them from drying out until the danger of frost has passed. For more timing details, see our Shipping Information.