My Dahlias have mostly all come up by now, and I’m starting to think about how to pinch them. I did take some pictures when I planted them, but sadly the one that photographed as a tuber the best, is the one that has stubbornly stayed underground. It’s also the funkiest looking one, and I was looking forward to it.
But besides this stubborn fellow, every one of my other dahlias has started to come up and beg for attention quite nicely, even if in the current gloom I’m struggling to discern what attention they truly need. It’s been so foggy, but not raining, and only on Memorial day have we had some substantial sun.
I followed the advice to stake as you put in the tubers, though I suspect for some of them the stakes I had on hand will not be sufficient.
I’m happy to say that this sparse beginning to my little cottage garden has turned out quite well, even if the Dahlias will be a while due to their late start. This area of the garden is in really sandy conditions, which to my mind suits the Dahlias just fine.
Besides, our hottest weather is usually in October, so a late start here, might be just what they need.
The Neanderthal Gardens 
Why are stakes installed at planting? Is it to avoid stabbing the tubers later?
pretty much. I thought it was a little silly, but it did help mark where they should come up during the waiting period, so it was helpful.
Oh, I did not consider that.