As we move into March, it is time to wake up your dahlias and get them ready for the growing season. After months in winter storage, the first job is to tip them out and give them a proper check over. You’re looking for firm, plump tubers; anything that looks rotten or has completely shrivelled up should be tossed out. It’s better to be selective now than to waste time on a plant that simply won’t perform.

Once you’ve gone through them, it’s time to start potting them up. This early start under cover allows the plants to develop a strong root system and some healthy shoots early on. By the time the final frosts of May have passed, you’ll be able to put out established plants.

When potting up, use a good-quality, peat-free compost and place the tubers so they are just barely covered. If you find yourself with several smaller tubers of the same variety, don’t be afraid to double them up in one pot. This is a great little trick to ensure you end up with a much bushier, more substantial plant.

After a thorough watering, place the pots in a bright, frost-free spot—a greenhouse, grow house, or cold frame is ideal. They’ll happily sit there and grow for a few weeks, but remember that they’ve been a bit pampered. Before you put them in their final positions in your garden borders or large containers, they’ll need about two weeks of “hardening off.” Gradually introducing them to the outdoor temperatures in May ensures they won’t get a shock when they finally move out.