3,226 Garden Web Discussions | Dahlias
Wow, you guys are my heroes. I cannot overwinter dahlias no matter how I try. I treat them like annuals and start over every year. You all must have some pretty impressive real estate. My limit is a dozen each summer and boy is it hard choosing. ;o)
Yes, you are at just the right time for planting and you will get flowers at the end of June.. give or take a few weeks, depending on the type.
Cut Dahlias can get pretty pricey.... I would try a farmers market. But, I think the best flower to practice with are mums, they are reasonable and have strong stems that can be re-cut and redesigned. Are you thinking of loose arrangements or arrangements in Oasis or a Frog?
Keriann~
Thanks for the answer, I'll be covering the planters on the deck with plastic, to keep them from filling with water, then freezing and bursting--least thats my thought.
The other thought was to make loops on the back of the planter (outside) so I can slip rebar down for support.
Oh I see... that makes sense.
I have two large pots that I have drilled extra drainage holes and then pounded rebar (5' tall) through them about 1/2 down to 'stake' them down. I grow large trees in them and the wind was a problem. But these are on a gravel walking path... your idea sounds great for a deck!
Keriann~
I've broken off branch tips in the garden, plunked them in a nearby 'finger hole' and they've gone on to grow, bloom, and produce tubers all, so the answer is yes: either re-pot or plant your rooted dahlia. It/they have a good chance to grow and produce.
Some are painfully slow to show up. Don't know how many you're talking about, but I wonder if you brought them inside in a bright window, if they'd pop sooner with more consistent temps. Then you can be assured they'll grow and re-acclimate them to outdoor life and cooler night temps.
Just a thought. You can certainly keep waiting as well, but I wouldn't be too worried just yet.
How about container planting...I've planted my dahlias yesterday, then last night it went down to 34. One pot I was able to bring inside but the other I tried to cover as best I could. They looked a little droopy this morning--will they recover? What's the best way to cover? The pot is pretty heavy to move. I had coleus in the same pot, they definitely look gone. I don't know what I was thinking, just too excited for warm weather I guess. I'm in zone 6, NW NJ.
Every year in Quebec i plant mine early mine have been in the ground for about a week now I check them everyday so far so good they even pass the snow we got last week if we get a frost it will be a ground frost and some of mind are just about one inch high so they should be ok
Anna
I would plant as you normally would regardless of how long the eyes are. I have had good luck planting tubers 3" below the soil line.
If there are any leaves that you will bury, I would pick them off, them may rot in the ground.
Isn't planting the best part? : ) It totally makes my day!
Keriann~