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| I have never grown Dahlia's before, this spring I recieved 3 Dahlias as gifts, and I must say they are wonderfull! I would like to try to overwinter them, and understand that here in my neck of the woods the tubers need to be dug, and stored cool indoors for the winter.
Here is my question, even though it is October 18th, we still have not had a hard freeze. (we have been known to have snow by now!) The Dahlia's are still blooming. I guess I should wait to dig until after they freeze, but I have to go away on business until November 5th, (leaving next wednesday). And I would not be surprised if I came home to snow on the ground. Should I dig the Dahlia's now? Or leave them until I get home, and hope for the best? Thank you
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| Oooh, perhaps you're up in Brrrrmidji country! I remember blizzards on Halloween from my MN days. As I see it, you have two options and either way could work: Mulch the 3 clumps really well with leaves or straw and hope it doesn't deep freeze until you get back (odds are in favor of this;) or cut them off now, wait a couple days and process the tubers/clumps for winter. The latter is the safest thing to do given the fickleness of Mother Nature at this time of year. |
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| LOL, I am about 2 1/2 hours north east of Brrrrrmidji! I think I am going to do the first option, maybe. I have a really busy week ahead of me. BUT if it looks like we have some nice days I might do the second option. Oh I don't know, it is going to depend on how much I have going on. I hate to cut them while they are still blooming!! (whine) Thanks |
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- Posted by sturgeonguy 5a ON (My Page) on Sun, Oct 19, 08 at 16:19
| FWIW, there is a 3rd option if you have a cold room (or cool reasonably dry place.) Dig a largish area of soil around the tubers (keeping the tubers in the soil as best you can) and place those clumps of soil in garbage bags. Tie or tape the bag with a long piece of stem still sticking out. This makes the removal processs relatively simple now (no worrying about cleaning the clump), will keep them reasonably moist until you get back, and totally avoids the possiblity of the ground being too hard to dig when you return. I wouldn't be recommending this except that you've only 3 clumps to do. Cheers, |
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