Here is what I ended up with..do they look ok? Now what do I do, bleach I read...then can I plant, in So. California so not cold.

Started with:
[IMG]http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7934/dsc02504cl1.jpg[/IMG

Ended with:

IMG]http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3827/dsc02513tm3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7702/dsc02510xo4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6096/dsc02512dm9.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7415/dsc02511id7.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1374/dsc02514di2.jpg[/IMG]

Sorry, tried several ways and cannot get pics. to post.

Sorry for all the posts but finally figured it out. Now what do I do, do I have to bleach them and then can I plant right away in Southern California?

I started with this:

{{gwi:635885}}

And ended with this after my butcher job:
{{gwi:635888}}

{{gwi:635890}}

{{gwi:635893}}

{{gwi:635896}}

{{gwi:635899}}

I don't think you have to use anything like bleach on them if you are going to immediately replant them. That type of thing is just to keep them from funguses (fungi) and mold while they are in storage all winter. I'd just go ahead and stick them back in the ground, weather permitting, which I assume it is in socal by now.

Rose...

Thanks, yes it is nice weather now...been back and forth.

I am concerned since this was my first time seperating. Do you think that I should plant two in each hole where I really want them to grow so I am sure to get one that grows or would it be better if one doesnt pop up to move another to it's spot later when they pop out of the ground?

Those eyes were difficult to spot for me.

Lastly, do you know how deep you plant them, I was thinking the tops of the tuber should be a few inches underground.

Thanks for the post!

Dig your hole about 5-6" deep. Put the tuber in the bottom. Thump in a stake (don't hit the tuber!!), cover the tuber with about 1" of soil. As the sprout grows fill in so just the tip is out until the hole is all filled up- you can even hill it up a bit if you want. This gives the plant an easier time of it breaking through the soil but it gives it a good deep base so it won't blow over so easily in the wind.
You can plant one tuber on each side of the stake if you want to- then if one doesn't grow you'll still have the other. If they both grow, that's OK too- no need to move tham.

Thanks....appreciate the help.

Hope I divided them right...I love my dahlia. I need to get more but I dont like the dinnerplate size, I like the smaller ones for cutting. Any good online source as nurseries seem to carry big ones....

Thanks.

Swan Island dahlias have a lot of mini, bb, and b sized ones.

Kristin

Here is a link that might be useful: Swan Island

I just went out to plant the tubers from last week and tehy look shriveled a little, is that bad? Should I still plnat/ They have only been out of the ground a week in the garage laying there on a table.

Shrivelled isn't ideal, but it's not the death knell either. Go ahead and plant them. Don't let them sit out in the air much longer. I looked at your photos and see a few candidate spots where eyes might be on several of the tubers. Look on the collar of the tuber for a small raised bump- perhaps pale yellow, pink, or very pale green, and plant that side up.

Or, if you want to make sure they have eyes, you can put the clumps in a gallon bag with barely moist potting soil, top of bag open. Keep them warm and light and within days those bumps should become visible. You don't need to bury them, just a few handsful of soil with a couple tbsp of water mushed around to give them a little moisture. Works like a charm here.

Good luck!

I am happy to report that my dahlias survived. I planted them soon after this post. Awhile back two popped up that i planted in a corner of the yard so wouldnt be disturbed.

As well, one came up where I originally dug them up, must have missed one. They are all about 8 inches high.

I am thrilled. So, I have one to share if anyone in OC wants one.

Thanks for all the help.