Dahlias

Dahlias are planted in the spring when the ground temperature is about 60 degrees or warmer. Here in the PNW (Zone 8) a safe time to plant is around Mother’s Day when lilacs begin to bloom.

Plant the tuber 4 - 6 “ deep, horizontally on its side with any visible eyes upward, cover it completely with soil. We plant our tuber 12” - 18” apart depending on the size of tuber and each variety.

In the PNW we have plenty of moisture late April/early May, watering after planting is generally not needed. Begin your watering regimen AFTER sprouts have broken through the surface should it be needed. Average time for dahlias to sprout through the ground is 3 - 5 weeks. Remember, soil should be moist, not wet or soaked.

Sweet Peas

Presoak seed 24 hours prior to planting. Fill planting pots with soil. Sweet peas produce a ton of roots, so the more room in the early stages of life, the better they will grow. 4” pots work well, plant 2 seeds per pot, cover with 1/2” soil. Germination takes 7-14 days at 55-65 degrees. Plant outside after last frost (around April 15th).

Seeds can be directly planted 6 weeks before last frost( around the beginning of March), 2-3 seeds every 6”, 1/2” deep. Darkness is required for germination, seedlings are not hurt by a light frost.

Plant sweet peas in well composted soil. They will need to be supported with a trellis about 6’ tall. Pinching is encouraged when 6-8” tall, increasing branching and flower production.