Everly Acres Cutting Acclimation and Care Guide

 

You’ve received something special

Your dahlia cutting has been carefully propagated and shipped to you at just the right stage. With proper care in these first few days, it will quickly establish and grow into a strong, productive plant.

 


Step 1: Unbox Immediately

  • Open your package as soon as possible
  • Gently remove the cutting from packaging
  • Expect slight drooping and potential discoloration- shipping is stressful, this is normal after shipping and should resolve quickly with proper care 
  • We recommend you quarantine all new plant material on arrival and implement your desired pest control management strategy.  I personally visually inspect and treat every single new plant that arrives on our farm (even if there aren’t any outright signs of pests).   

If soil feels dry, proceed to watering below

Step 2: Water + Settle

  • Lightly water if the soil is dry (do not soak)
  • Allow excess water to drain completely
  • Let the plant rest in a calm and protected indoor area that is temperature controlled environment for a few hours to a day or two.  

Step 3: Light (CRITICAL)

  • Place in bright, indirect light for 2–3 days
  • Avoid direct sun immediately after shipping
  • After acclimation → gradually introduce to more sun

Sudden full sun = stress or burn

Temperature

  • Ideal range: 60–75°F
  • Protect from:
    • Cold drafts
    • Frost (cuttings are NOT frost tolerant)

Step 4: Hardening Off (if moving outdoors)

Over 5–7 days:

Start with shaded outdoor exposure

  1. Gradually increase sun + wind exposure daily
  2. Bring indoors at night if temps drop

Step 5: Transplanting

When ready:

  • Plant into a larger container or garden bed
  • Use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
  • Removing lower leaves to expose nodes and burying them deep can help increase tuber production
  • Water in gently after planting

 Early Growth Tips

  • Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy
  • Avoid overwatering (small roots = easy to rot)
  • Protect from strong wind early on
  • Consider light feeding after 1–2 weeks

What’s Normal

  • Slight wilting after arrival
  • Minor leaf yellowing
  • Slow growth for the first week

These plants are adjusting—give them time

What to Avoid

  • Direct hot sun immediately after arrival
  • Overwatering
  • Leaving in packaging overnight
  • Planting outside before acclimation


From Our Fields to You

Every cutting is grown and selected with care.

Thank you for trusting Everly Acres, may your garden bloom wild!