3,226 Garden Web Discussions | Dahlias
I would divide them now. But I would prefer multiple plants than a plant with multiple stems. If you are concerned about burying them right after dividing, just nestle them halfway into the soil of the pot to start with, and then bury them deeper as they grow.
Last year I had some tubers that were to large to fit into the pots I was using. I just cut off the end of the tuber (about 1/3 on some of them) and it didnt seem to slow them down at all.
Some of mine now have sprouts that are coming up and some of them do not. I do know they all had eyes that were starting to sprout when I planted them. I think some of them are just slower to grow. Sometimes I get impatient and dig around to see if anything is happening or make sure the tuber didn't rot.
Most people lay the tuber sideways when they plant them. The sprout will find it's way up. You want to avoid watering tubers until the sprout is about 3" tall otherwise you'll either cause it to sit in damp soil and rot or in the case of a couple I grew my first year they swelled and split and then rotted. I'd water it once it gets warm outside enough to keep the soil from being bone dry.
Here is a link that might be useful: Swan Island Dahlias growing tips
Viking, How long have they been potted up? I have 15 currently in pots and I am just starting to see a few sprouts poking out of the dirt. We are going to have some really nice weather for the next week so I am take mine outside for some real sunshine.
Linda
The wife got sicker than she normally is and I did not have time to store tubers properly. So I had nothing I could post. I will have to get the posting info when they bloom because I have lost all that also. Thanks for asking.New dog so will be in the back gardens nost of summer.
Early spring follow up: I dug up and stored the dry, wrapped tubers in the garage and after an incredibly mild winter I took them out to check them last week. Of the 3 clumps only one had an eye and the other two had rotten sections (really gross btw). Not sure if they did freeze during the 2 really cold days we had, or if something else got them. So I potted up two pared down clumps in hopes of some growth and this morning was rewarded with tiny stems and leaves in both pots! Next fall I'm going to have dahlias and begonia tubers to figure out what to do with...maybe the attic this time? My garden is too small for 5 foot plants with 8 inch flowers, or to grow hundreds of tubers but this year I ordered tubers for a type called "Star Wars" that has the dark foliage I love so much.
Here is a link that might be useful: Star Wars Pot Dahlia
2 of the dahlias that never bloomed last year formed eyes. The 3rd didn't even grow much of a new tuber...too skinny to make it through the winter (although I haven't given up total hope, yet!).
Honnat, yes, the ground could be frozen here 2 weeks after first heavy frost. Normally, no, but last year we had an unusually late first frost. And the year before that, it was even later, but frozen ground was earlier than normal. I didn't get all my dahlias dug last year, as the ground just wasn't thawing out during the day. When we hit 25 at night, but 40 during the day, we're far more hours below freezing than above, and the sun just doesn't win. I've planted bulbs in the snow, too, but for us, snow in October usually means warmer weather than sunny skies do.
I would be concerned about them rotting if they were under ground. Maybe if there was plenty of peat-moss and air (an inflated zip-loc?) around each tuber, so that any "sweat" would be absorbed they would be ok, and you would certainly need to make sure water couldn't get to them.
i dont know when you can usually plant them out in zone 7. I usually pot mine up about a month before they can go outside, but here thats not for a while. It would allow the roots to get going, and you can snip down the stalks when you plant them out.
I chose it because I seem to have trouble with purple dahlias and I do love my purple ones! My Midnight Dancer was a bust last year and my Imperial Wine gave just a few small blooms.
My favorite is Purplicious. But like MD, it never grew the first year and the 2nd year it was mediocre. Last year though, it came through with dozens of the purplest blooms I've ever seen and they were gorgeous.
I knew TE was an old time favorite but I had no idea it was THAT old. Hopefully it will anchor my 'purples and blues'
plot with years to come.
Edewitt, thanks. I ordered "Wyn's Ghostie."
You're both welcome. It appears I waited too long and they are now sold out of Ghostie. Looks like I'll order it next year. Fortunately I've got an order put in for Louie Meggos so that'll hold me over for the year.