3,226 Garden Web Discussions | Dahlias
How long has it been wilty for? A few of mine were wilted today after yesterday's torrential rain but I'm sure they will bounce back. They are in the ground though. Is there any other way you can dry out the soil without removing it all from the pot? Maybe move it somewhere to get A LOT of sun? Is it blooming? If so, I would put it somewhere sunny and enjoy the blooms for as long as possible and hope the plant doesn't die. I would rather enjoy the blooms now and replace the tuber later if I have to if it is an easily obtained variety.
Restrict your shoots coming out of the ground to the strongest two or three and then reduce it to one by pinching them off at ground level. They will not grow back. This will restrict the number of tubers growing under the ground and you should only need to divide them once a year and flower production will remain at a high level.
Does JAARS fly into your location? I have a good friend who is a JARRS pilot.
I'm going to try some Dahalias here at about 7400 feet in the Colombian Andes. Temps sound about right, but we may be just a bit cooler. We also have a place at about 5500 feet (Medellin).
It's great to hear form someone else in a tropical montane environemnt. I'd like to stay in touch as things grow differently in tropical areas due mostly to minimal variation in temperature ranges and photoperiods.
Phil Bunch
Medellin/Piedras Blancas, Colombia
rcnan,
If you can plant them in pots you can probably have blooms around Christmas inside...;-] If not, I'd toss them and avoid being disappointed next spring (or thinking you have Dahlias when you likely won't...storing them that long I think might be a problem.)
Cheers,
Russ
pdshop,
Lol, I usually state the names as well as the "specs." Actually, if you just hold your mouse over each picture you'll get the names...;-]
The BFD is "A La Mode" and the BBWL is "Sandia Joy."
FWIW, so far this year Sandia Joy is the heartiest. Every single plant I put in the ground has bloomed (25+). China Doll next, and Sayonara after that. Tahiti Sunrise has been fickle (earlier cuttings have done well, later cuttings didn't) and Firepot, which I was really looking forward to hasn't had a bloom yet (irregardless how long the cutting had been taken.)
My first dark purples have bloomed (Purple Taiheijo), but I can't get a good picture yet.
Cheers,
Russ
Those are some neat looking dahlias, Russ. You are the envy of the neighbourhood.
I've been away for a while, and when I came back, mine are not as pristine as usual. Too much rain, I think, and not a regular deadheading.
Good to see that wonderful looking "bodacious", and really neat "a la mode".
pdshop,
FWIW, the pens I bought from Lee Valley did not stand up when used on their wooden stakes, the writing faded to red and then disappeared.
What has worked is the drawing I did of the beds. I just drew a very vague representation of the bed, and indicated where and what each Dahlia were. Worked like a charm, and nobody can muck it up. I did it in Excel so I don't even have to worry about losing the paper. Even worked on my 100+ bed.
Cheers,
Russ
That is really great. Thhanks. as I mentioned before ion the site, I got about 6 dahlias that were not what I ordered. It is so annoying when I try and do a color scheme. At least they are pretty and healthy. In MA., we have had driving rains for days and I am so worried about the tubers. Everything is staked well though.
Some of mine are just starting now. They do bloom at their own time. Starting them indoors does tend to speed things up though. Make sure they get lots of sun. The ones that I have just opening, did not get enough sun.
Sure, you can dig them up, and store for next year. If the tubers are firm, they are worthy of saving. I had some that did not do well for a couple of years but this year, they are going gangbusters.
Nice. Used to have Camano Choice and enjoyed every one of the fully-petalled blooms. It's a beauty.