Waking up a dahlia tuber means encouraging it to break dormancy and start growing after its winter rest. This typically involves placing the tuber in a warm, well-lit environment with slightly moist soil or peat moss to stimulate sprouting. Some gardeners (ahem, me because I can't stop myself) start them indoors in pots before transplanting them outside once the weather is warm enough.

There's no right or wrong approach here. I do start quite a few indoors however I also plant most tubers directly outdoors.

Starting dahlias indoors isn’t necessary, but I do it because I love seeing the first sprouts in spring, and it extends my summer bloom time.

If your soil stays wet in spring, waiting until June to plant can help. You allow your soil to dry and by starting indoors, you won’t lose growing time even with a delayed outdoor planting.

The earliest I start is 10 weeks before the last average frost. And yes, I have Googled what is the last average frost in my area.

Since I am located in central Wisconsin, my growing season is shorter than many areas. I like to start mine around early March. This way I am 2 months ahead of schedule.

The size of the pot depends on how early I start it indoors. If I plant the tuber 4 weeks before the average frost, I will use a 4" pot. If I plant the tuber 8 weeks before the average frost, I will use a gallon pot.

Why you ask? I do not want the plant to get pot bound. This is where the roots weren't able to spread so they keep circling around creating a tight mass. This is not good for the plant health. Also we want the roots to grow into big healthy tubers so we can divide them later.

1. Fill the Pot – Add potting mix, leaving an inch of space at the top.
2. Plant the Tuber – Position it with the "neck" facing up and slightly exposed.
3. Water Lightly – Moisten the soil without soaking it.
4. Give It Light – Place in a sunny window or under grow lights.
5. Monitor Moisture – Water sparingly when the soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering.

1. Prepare the Soil – Use well-draining potting mix, ideally enriched with compost.
2. Position the Tuber – Lay it horizontally with the "eyes" (sprouting bumps) facing up.
3. Cover Lightly – Gently cover with soil, leaving the eyes slightly exposed.
4. Water Wisely – Water lightly only when the soil feels dry, increasing once sprouts appear. Remember, tubers don't like wet. Damp is okay.
5. Provide Light – Place in a sunny window or under grow lights to encourage growth.

Main difference between a smaller pot and a larger is if I lay it vertical or horizonal. I don't use a 4" pot if I am looking to wake the tuber and plant it within 3-4 weeks.