So for starters I had some extra dahlias this year. They were small potted ones that were already in flower, "Figaro dahlia mix" to be precise. It is my understanding that those potted dahlias are from cuttings, which is something I've never tried. I've been growing tubers for years and never had problems.

They were lush green plants when I bought them but then after I planted them the leaves all burnt and they looked horrible. They are mulched but they don't get watered by anything other than the rain. But it has been raining a fair amount, I have a pumpkin patch that has the same conditions and they are all thriving with huge vines and fruit.

What causes burnt leaves on dahlias? Is it something like transplant shock, or maybe they just don't get enough water. Or is the culture for dahlias grown from cuttings somehow different than ones grown from tubers?

Watering them isn't an option, they will be left to the elements. I would just like them to do well enough to form a tuber or two so I can give them the attention they deserve next year. Does anyone grow dahlias without supplemental irrigation?

On another note, I got great tubers from "Figaro" and saved them for several years. I was told it wasn't worth the trouble, but since all I did was pull them up, throw them in a paper bag in a plastic bag and toss them in the garage, it was no trouble. But even if it had been trouble, it would have been worth it. Absolutely stunning plants from tubers rather than seed...might not make a difference in another area, but with our short growing season the plants were definitely fuller from tubers.