The Case for Cuttings Over Tubers

Every year I (like every other dahlia lover) buy in several new varieties. More than I should because we all know it’s hard to stop. In recent years, I’ve begun taking cuttings from these new tubers as they arrive. I do this for a few reasons but mainly so that if I really like a new variety, then I’m already a bit ahead. I try to get 2-3 cuttings from each tuber that I buy.

Usually I plant the original tuber and the cuttings together. But this year I changed it up! I planted all the tubers together and all the rooted cuttings together. They are all in the one row pictured below with tubers at the beginning and cuttings past that.

Well, the tubers were at the beginning but as you can see from the picture, the majority of them didn’t make it. This phenomenon of losing new varieties grown from tubers is way too common in a hot nasty climate like mine. I talk to other growers who have the same issue. I’ve found that over the years, that I’ve lost way too many new varieties that way ( and lots of money too!) This is why I began the cutting process from new tubers awhile back.

I’m increasingly seeing that a rooted cutting establishes better in my harsh climate. With nothing but roots to go on, the plant is forced to go search for food and water. Tubers get lazy and then our climate happens to them- We get too much rain or not enough rain and our soil temps get way too hot. The window we can successfully plant tubers gets smaller every year. But rooted cuttings with proper care can be planted pretty much any time during the frost free period.

This year our fields were planted around 70% from rooted cuttings and I have had one of the best dahlia years I can remember. My loss percentage has decreased dramatically. The cuttings weathered the harsh summer months so much better! The cuttings establish so much easier- you don’t have to worry about too much rain- they handle high levels pretty well. You can irrigate more if you are dry without worrying about rotting out your tubers. This also cools the soil down when it’s dry/hot.

I also like the uniformity of growth from cuttings. Tubers sprout at different rates. But if you plant the same size cuttings out all at once, they grow very uniformly. And as a cut flower production farm- this can be hugely beneficial in helping to predict your crop. Cuttings can also help you succession plant your dahlias if you live in a long season climate. It’s nice to have some fresh plants when all the others are getting tired.

The more I observe the difference between the tubers and cuttings- the more benefits I see to cuttings in a harsh climate.