Propagate dahlias

What to do

• In late winter, put a shallow layer of damp multi-purpose compost in the bottom of a tray and place your dry dahlia tubers on top.
• Cover with compost, leaving just the stem showing. Put in a light place and within weeks, new shoots will appear.
• Select strong, healthy shoots about 7.5cm (3in) long and with a small sliver of the parent tuber.
• Remove the lower leaves flush with the stem and neatly trim the base of the cutting.
• Dip the bottom of each cutting into hormone rooting powder and insert three cuttings, 2.5cm (1in) deep, into a pot.
• Cover cuttings with a clear plastic bag and secure with an elastic band. In about three weeks the cuttings will have formed roots and they can be repotted into a single pot.