Understanding Dahlia Tuber Features: Lenticels, Feeder Tubers, Eyes & Mother Tubers

Hi, dahlia friends! In today’s video, I’m walking through several common tuber features and questions I’ve been seeing lately, especially after the unusually wet season many of us had.

One of the first things you’ll notice on this tuber are the little raised spots along the surface and even on the stem. These are called lenticels, and they’re completely normal. Because of our wet spring and summer, you’ll see them more than usual this year, but there’s no need to worry. If you receive tubers that have them, they’re still perfectly healthy.

Another thing I pointed out is the presence of feeder tubers, small, thin tubers that don’t have eyes and won’t produce a plant. These can be snipped off and discarded since they don’t contribute to growth.

When it comes to finding eyes, sometimes it’s easy…and sometimes lenticels make things look a little messy. On this particular tuber, the eye is faint but still there. I’ll mark it so I can divide it properly, removing any feeder tubers before storing.

I also came across a tuber with great-looking eyes but unfortunately not enough size to store, plus a bit of rot from damage. That one is a bummer, but it happens.

And finally, you’ll see the mother tuber, the original tuber that was planted. These often look worn out after a full year in the ground. Even though this one looked okay at first, cutting into it showed browning that would eventually lead to rot. That’s why I don’t recommend keeping mother tubers; they can spoil an entire stored clump.

This particular plant will only give me a few viable tubers, partly because it was planted late, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Divide what you can, label the eyes you find, and give them a chance. If something doesn’t sprout in spring, you can toss it then—but it’s always worth trying now.

If you have more questions or want to see something specific in future videos, let me know. Thanks for following along!