By treehugger

Re: Dahlias
18 Sep 2008 15:11

sorry not a food (gardening) post but just read about dahlias and someone was asking a while ago......

Replies

By treehugger

Re: Dahlias
18 Sep 2008 15:19

just read a nice article in gardens illustrated with a guide to dahlias in it. someone was asking about lifting them for the winter, so i thought i'd pass on the info,
the article says:
-dig up the tubers after the first frost
-spray off the soil and allow the tubers to dry
-cut down the stem to 2-3cm
-place tubers in a single layer in styrofoam boxes and store at 4-8 degrees C in a dry place (garage/shed),
in higher temperatures cover the tubers with peat or sand to stop drying out
- regularly check during winter storage for signs of fungal attack and immediately remove any that show signs of mould or rot.

at the beginning of may put them in pots of compost and place in a greenhouse or rooting box- then when the green stems appear, move them outside in a sheltered place, and then you can plant them out in the border at the end of may.

:-)

By *Bramble

Re: Dahlias
18 Sep 2008 15:55

You make it sound so simple Treehugger, so why is it that whenever I've tried to keep them I end up with little unrecognisable mummified bits? I've given up with dahlias now, anyway, after two wet summers :-(

By poppy

Re: Dahlias
18 Sep 2008 17:38

I have never had any luck storing dahlias either. I think I've been storing them in too warm a location. It's difficult to find a spot that keeps them from freezing and is still cool enough to keep them from turning in to, as Bramble says, mummified bits.

By treehugger

Re: Dahlias
18 Sep 2008 17:48

yes it does sound simple!! it sort of make sense though, about cleaning and drying, and then keeping at a cool temperature- and also checking them regularly, but like you say- its keeping the temperature constant which might be difficult!
(luckily i dont have to lift mine as everyone leaves them in the ground here in portugal but just thought it might be useful to others)
;-)

By sandrak

Re: Dahlias
19 Sep 2008 15:29

Depends where you live, have no time nor inclination to faff about with tubers. I give them a really good start then ignore, on the south coast of the UK I only ever whack a bit of straw on if temperature drops suddenly. Every year we have a great display. Gosh, don't I sound smug !

By Honey

Re: Dahlias
20 Sep 2008 03:04

I have been leaving dahlias in the ground for the past... ooo 8 years may be. (I live in Northamptonshire). After the first frost has blackened the foliage, I cut off the tops to a couple of inches above ground. I save my compost bags throughout the year and cut these into large squares (18" square?) and place over the top of the dahlia (black side uppermost and weight this down (covering it completely) with a big pile of garden compost to stop it from blowing away. This keeps the tubers warm and dry. I then, in late (ish) spring, just tip the compost off the plastic onto the dahlias and they then grow up through the compost and get away to a good start. I also feel that the compost protects the young shoots from any beasties.

By treehugger

Re: Dahlias
20 Sep 2008 08:33

that sounds alot easier Honey!

By Sam, worthing west sussex, uk

Re: Dahlias
20 Sep 2008 15:00

I have never dug up my dahlias (but i do live on the south coast of uk, so it is a slightly warmer climate here over the winter months) and they just get bigger and better each year.

I just have black fly and ear wig problems with them.

Sammy

By Lilablu

Re: Dahlias
22 Sep 2008 11:03

Thanks for all your advice, it was my post originally and I certainly didn't expect anymore answers back after all this time, but I will print all these tips off and let you all know next year if they have worked....ta!......LB