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| I am totally new to Dahlia growing although I grew up with seeing them in my grandfather's gardens (and naturally loved them).
I have a couple of questions regarding their culture, and since the search engine appears to be out of order, I hope you all don't mind sharing your knowledge again. 1. In your opinion, what are the best mail order suppliers with reasonable prices? Does anyone know Sid's in Nova Scotia? I like his selection from looking at it on the web. So far I just bought "Classic Giselle" from Bent and Brecky's - a supplier I know and trust for bulbs. 2. When is the best time for planting in my zone? Does the soil have to have a certain temperature? I am kind of assuming that planting takes place some time in late Spring/early summer? so what do you plant in it's place so as not to have huge gaps in your border where the dahlias will go in later? 3. What kind of soil do Dahlias prefer? 4. I saw a post saying that rabbits and squirrels like the fresh new foliage. Anyone have any experience with woodchucks? Should I encage them until they have some height to avoid critter damage? I also have deer. I thought I had more questions but I can't think of them right now. I am grateful for any experience you can share. Marianne |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Oh, one more question: If I choose to plant my tubers in a five-gallon pot, has anyone here used water absorbent polymers to keep the soil moist longer? I want to make it as easy on myself as possible since my spigot is rather far from the bed that I am thinking of putting my potted dahlias into. Thanks. |
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- Posted by dahliagardener (My Page) on Mon, Feb 4, 08 at 20:06
| Wynne's Dahlias are a very good supplier & they stand by their product. I've ordered from them for years & never been disappointed. Here's a link to their price list & photo albums- the albums are full of pictures of dahlias. You're better off going through a dahlia specialist than a company that has a little of this & a little of that- those ones don't know good dahlias & you very often don't get what you ordered. Most of the suppliers on the Colorado Dahlia Society list of Supplies & Suppliers are good dahlia specialists. Dahlias should be planted after all threat of frost has passed & the soil is about 60*. They just sit there & rot if the soil is cold. You can start them indoors in pots or some other kind of containers & get a head start on the season. Then when you plant out you don't have to wait for them to come up- they're already a nice sized plant. I have lots of spring-blooming bulbs in my borders that finish just about the time for planting dahlias--Tet-a-tet daffs esp. but also Hyacinths & Alum, Wind Flowers, Crocus-- you name it! Dahlias like a well drained soil. They rot if they sit in water. They like to be fed during the blooming season & if you feed them & keep them dead-headed they will bloom until frost. |
Here is a link that might be useful: dahlia Albums
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| Thanks! Marianne |
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| I don't know where in NY you live, but check and see if there is a local dahlia society there. If there is, they may sell tubers in the early spring as a fund raiser for their club. You will find many different varieties and a bunch of helpful, knowledgeable peopl as well!! Christine |
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- Posted by JUDY LAUKHART(JLAUKHART@AOL.COM) onThu, Feb 17, 11 at 10:33
| WHAT KIND OF SOIL DOES DAHILY SMARTY LIKE |
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