dahlia question please.

Hi all, I quite enjoyed this dahlia last year. I cut it down and left it out in its pot over winter. Now I'm wondering should I expect to see it again? Or does it just flower the once?

I was hoping to get the photo straight from my gallery and put it here but I can't find a way of doing it! Is it possible for you guys to view it there to answer my question?

Gazania

 

Hiya Gazania

Dahlias are tender, so it may or may not have survived the winter, which this year was quite mild. If it survived, it will certainly flower again. The tuber though will have grown somewhat, so will need to be either put into a larger container (with fresh compost), or divided up by cutting through the tuber, and planting the individual parts. Bear in mind, if you choose to cut it up, you will need to make sure you include basal growth. Basal growth should be evident in the near future. Hope this helps

 

Hiya Freddy, I planted the dahlia in an over-sized pot anyway to get the most out of it. So do you think I should just leave it now and hope for the best? When will dahlia tubers be showing?

Gazania

 

Hiya
I would have it out now, to make sure it's still firm. Assuming it is, try to get rid of all the old compost, and replant in fresh. It would help if you can put it somewhere under cover as this should help it spark into life. Make sure it's watered, but don't overdo it, damp is good If all goes well, I would imagine it will start into growth in a few weeks?

Cheers...Freddy

 

Hi Freddy, thanks for the info.

I lifted the dahlia and it looks in very good condition. There are about 10 bits that look like new potato's and 1 long bit that looks like a sweet potato and they are firm to the touch. I got most of the old compost off, and put it in a new pot of compost under cover.

thanks again and I shall keep you informed.

Gazania

 

Good luck @Gazania .

I have some that were left in the ground in front a south facing wall, they seem to be throwing up shoots, so fingers crossed not too many frosty nights to come

 

Good luck to you too. I've only tried dahlia's the last 2 years. They have been okay but towards the end of the season they have been attacked and eaten! I can't remember what was attacking them now. Night times were the worse!

Gazania

 

Probably Earwigs!

 

I agree. Mines get a terrible time from them.

 

Just checked on the ones by the back wall, they definitely have shoots !

Will have to watch out for frost, I think I have some plastic bottles I could make temporary cloches from

It was a mild winter, and they are on the sunny side of that south facing wall, but I am still amazed, they came from 'M' as bedding plants, I guess grown from cuttings.

Must try and take some cuttings to increase my stock

 

Hi, yes I thought it was earwigs bit I never saw any!? I put terracotta pots up on bamboo sticks with straw inside but never got any. It might have been slugs or snails?

Take cutting is a good idea. I must look into how and when as I really like this particular dahlia. Hopefully I will have some Bishop's showing soon too.

Gazania

 

Ah ha, my dahlia's are starting to put in an appearance. Both the one's left in the ground over winter and the one I lifted into a pot

Gazania