greenhouse grown dahlias

15 years ago

Could someone please answer the question of how and when do I prepare my dahlias for storage? The field grown ones I just wait for a frost that kills the foliage and then pull and dry them in the barn. But my greenhouse ones are still with lots of green foliage. I am not doing my market now and would like to get those prepared for storage.Is it ok to just cut all the green back now? They will not die on their own for a long time since they are protected, and I'd like to clear the area for some winter greens. If I can just cut them back, pull them out and dry on top of the soil that would be a quick solution. Thanks for your help and suggestions,

Cheryl

Comments (2)

grannymarsh
15 years ago
Cut them back, leaving 10 to 12 inches of stem. Wait 10 - 14 days and then dig as for the field grown ones. The waiting period will stimulate the growth of the eyes and then you can see where to divide.

Why not sell the GH flowers to local florists ??
Fundybayfarm
Original Author
15 years ago
Grannymarsh,
Thanks for your response, I didn't know how far to cut back or about the waiting period. Good to know. I have had some problems with bugs and I don't spray my flowers but am going to have to come up with something so that more of the blooms can be used with florists. Earwigs are one problem, and then a tarnish bug that turns the petals brown. I am making some earwig traps over the winter to use in there next year and hopefully that will help. The dahlias grow great in there and I get lots of blooms and long stem length. Thanks for your help.
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