3,226 Garden Web Discussions | Dahlias

What is "Myke" ?

Red Pigmy :http://www.shilohdahlias.com/tubers5.htm

Star's Favorite: http://www.dahliasuppliers.com/accent/gallery/images/Stars%20Favorite_270_jpg.jpg

Firebird : http://www.highdesertdahlias.com/Firebird.htm

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Here is a link that might be useful: The Big List

smj0730,

Topping is not necessary. In nature, the plant wouild grow without being pinched back. If you wish to show in a garden competition, then you would want nice tall straight stems, so you wouldn't "top" at all.

However, if you are not showing, and wish more flowers, albeit a little later, then you can pinch back the stem to force it to produce more shoots out the side. This will create a bushier plant. I do this here, as I do not show, but prefer more flowers. So when it gets taller, I pinch back to above several true leaves. We are in a completely different growing zone than you, so I feel confident in doing this here early in the season as the plant is growing. In your zone and if your plant is about 2.5 feet tall, you may have hollow stems already in the lower part of the plant. I don't pinch back that low as I don't want water getting into the hollow stems and rotting the stem / plant.

Pinching back takes place early in the growing season. As I see it, it really is a means of shaping the plant in its early stages to a shape more to your preference. I hope that helps. Other growers may have differing opinions as well.

florafauna,

I would plant them in potting soil in pots ( because we still expect frost here for another few weeks). Then I would take them outside into the garden area, but because they are in pots I can bring them into the garage for protection in case of frost. If you do not expect any more frost, then you could plant directly into the ground.

I would plant them with just the tip of the shoots above the ground. They will form nice roots down below, and the plant will start to open its leaves above ground level for you. When it gets taller, the lowest leaves should be pinched off so that the lowest leaves are at least 4 inches off the ground.

I don't think that I would add too much manure now, until the leaves start to open. Then they would appreciate it. At this point, it is important to establish roots. Later, you will want to establish the upper plant, and then the FLOWERS, which is what it is all about.

Thanks so much jroot! I read so many posts that I became confused with all the information. The reason I was going to add the manure is because the bed I'm putting them in doesn't have the best dirt (silty) so I usually just add manure when I add a new plant since I can't amend the whole bed. I'll try it without adding the manure.

Thanks again!

Sounds bad, sorry. Perhaps some info at the link will be able to help you. Keep up the slug bait for sure, but perhaps an additional treatment or approach is in order. Slugs usually work from the margins of the leaves here (if they don't get the whole sprout.) I can't imagine them leaving a lacy pattern.

Please report back what you find. Maybe a county extension office can help you if you take in a sample leaf?

Here is a link that might be useful: pests

okie. i recently had something happen... ive got dahlias growing in pots sitting on my balcony ledge... the largest one WAS about 2 1/4 feet tall, and i dont know how but it fell off... 1 story and broke the stalk, cracked right in the middle and i decided i was going to keep it, [mourning because it was my first, and about to bloom] and new growth has started where the stalk broke, mind you i didnt detatch the broken part, ive just been removing the dead vegitation when it appears. SO it is hopeful... :D GL!!!

Best bet would be to try and see a picture of it online. Most of the online growers have pics on their websites. Here is a link to the biggest dahlia internet site that I know of...the page with what might help you.
Ginny

Here is a link that might be useful: Colorado Dahlia Society

Hey PhyL:

Next time do a search first. I just answered this question and the only reason I answer is that I am a "Tom Edison" fan.

You absolutely do not want any emerging foliage to hit those 30's temperatures. Stick em in pots if your impatient. But wait another week or two for outdoors.

Thanks for the adviceI usually do a search, guess I was in a hurry. :0) Phyl