I just bought some Dahlia imperialis cuttings at the UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley. They look like fun--essentially like big pieces of bamboo. The longest is 3 feet long, and also very thick/heavy.

I am going to root one here and send off the other two. I am posting the details of the rooting on the Tropicals forum and have posted the cuttings for exchange on the tropical exchange and general exchange sections.

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tropical/exch0221105328812.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tropical/msg022155081048.html

I'm getting ready to start the one cutting, but here's my question. I plan to start it in a pot, so I should presumably do this right side up. Can an experienced Dahlia grower confirm whether I have this right?

The cutting has two nodes. I think I can make out dormant growth buds, particularly on the first one. Do I have it oriented correctly?

Node 1:

Node 2:

The cutting is also wider at bottom in this orientation: 1 6/8 inches vs. 1 3/8 inches.

Thanks!