Tuber Expectations

Dahlia tubers come in all shapes and sizes. As long as a tuber has an eye and a body, it can grow!

Tubers typically have a body, neck and crown. Sometimes there are no-neck dahlias where the neck is indecipherable from the body. These are my favorite! Eyes form on the crown portion which is connected to the neck then the body. 

The crown portion and the "butt" end of the tuber are coated in cinnamon to prevent mold and rot formation. Some extra large or long tubers have also been shortened before cinnamon application. The ends have been cured and these grow well. I'd much rather plant a small, short tuber rather than a rather a ginormous one. 

Most of my tubers are firm but some may have a little bit of bounce. This is fine and these tubers will do well on your garden. Tubers can have bumps, be a bit wrinkled, be darker or lighter, rougher or be as smoothe as a baby's bottom. It all depends on the soil and water conditions. 

Please keep in mind these tubers are just a slightly pricier potatoe. 🥔  Dahlias are native to Mexico and Latin America and we're cultivated by the Aztecs who used them as a food source and for medicinal purposes. One day I am going to fry up a tuber and give it a try. :)