Starting dahlias indoors: but I'm out of pots!
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
16 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (25)
nhdahlialover
16 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years agoRelated Discussions
starting dahlias in pots...can't remember a thing!
Comments (5)I am assuming you are starting them in pots, and then planting them in the ground when it warms up? I'll tell you what I do, but I don't claim to be an expert. 1) When to start them indoors in Zone 4? Where to start them? (basement, porch, etc) I am in zone 4 WI, and usually don't start mine until mid April. (though I am starting some earlier this year) I usually put them in the ground the first week of June. Dahlias like it warm. So to wake up the tubers and get them growing I put them in trays of moist potting mix and place them on top of my fluorescent shop lights, (lights that I use for growing seedlings) Any warmer (70-75 degrees) spot will work. I do this to ensure the tuber is going to grow. I don't want to waste time and space if the tuber is a dud. 2) Planting medium and depth? After they have spouted - I pot them up. Any decent potting medium will work. I use a variation of "Al's 5-1-1" (see the container forum). I use 4" square biodegradeable pots to start them, so I can only plant them 3" deep (When they get planted outside the whole pots goes in 6" deep). I use smallish pots because I start close to 100 and they take a lot of space. A few really huge tubers get started in larger pots. 3) Do I water them? I moisten the potting mix well before it goes into the pots and then don't add any additional water until the sprout is above the soil. Occasionally there are really slow growing ones that need a little watering before then - but keep it light. 4) When do I move them to a location that receives more light? As soon as they poke up through the soil they need as much light as you can give them or they will be tall spindly weak plants. I put mine under fluorescent lights. Your 3 season room may be fine if it gets enough direct sun. 5) Which set of leaves do I pinch back when they begin growing? Top the plants after they have at least 3 sets of true leaves. Because I plant them deeper when they go outside, I measure 6" from the bottom before I start counting my sets of leaves. (often the first couple of sets are going to be buried) Have fun !...See MoreQuestion of Potting up Dahlia's Indoors
Comments (1)Okay Linda, here starts the debate. I do happen to mist mine and I keep a loose sheet of plastic on top just to keep the moisure in so I don't have to be around every day. The theory is that as homes have heat, home air is drying (as it is drying to our skin) and a little dampness for your tubers, as long as they have ventilation, is 'a good thing'. Everyone says to get your tubers eyed up by putting them halfway in a tray of barely damp potting soil. If you can get your potting soil 'barely damp' I would say this is also 'a good thing'. However, I do not find it necessary. Last year I stuck two tubers into an EMPTY bag of Miracle Gro, loosely closed the top, dumped it on a shelf in the laundry room and three weeks later I had 8" sprouts. I have also used dry potting medium in a tray with success and lastly, I threw one really stubborn tuber buck naked into an emptly cooler (closed the top) and that too finally sprouted. IMHO it's all about the heat of the room (and damp soil in a cool room doesn't always work that well)....See MoreCan I Start Dahlia Tubars Indoors Using Seed Starting Medium?
Comments (2)In my experience tubers need: 1. Water 2. Light inside. When they go outside, the need soil. In other words, you could start them in wet newspapers and they'd likely eye up and sprout. Soil only comes into it when they sprout roots, and when you're starting tubers you're not really going after roots, you want sprouts. The more roots they grow indoors, the more work it is to transplant safely. I'd use the loosest soil you can find, and keep the tubers shallow in the mix. I started mine in a 50-50 mix of Miracle Grow Seed Starter and peat. Worked fine, but I doubt the soil had anything to do with anything. Cheers, Russ...See MoreStarting my dahlias indoors
Comments (2)jroot. I have not even gotten as far as you have as my tubers will not eye up? I can't go to the next step until they do as I haven't seen any eyes so that I can cut? What do you suggest to hurry them along?...See Morelinnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
16 years agosturgeonguy
16 years agovikingcraftsman
16 years agolinnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
16 years agopdshop
16 years agoupwithdahlias
16 years agolinnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
16 years agoLindaMA
16 years agohardin
16 years agoredpeony
16 years agosturgeonguy
16 years agosturgeonguy
16 years agopdshop
16 years agolinnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
16 years agosturgeonguy
16 years agotriple_b
16 years agorainbow_2007
16 years agoCozette59pu_gmail_com
13 years agosjmarshes
13 years agoNoni Morrison
13 years agomandolls
13 years agocalik8
12 years ago
Related Stories
DECORATING GUIDESHow to Decorate When You're Starting Out or Starting Over
No need to feel overwhelmed. Our step-by-step decorating guide can help you put together a home look you'll love
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESA Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning
Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTSHow to Grow Orchids Indoors
Orchids are the exotic aristocrats of the flower world and can make themselves comfortable in almost any home
Full StoryWINTER GARDENINGWinter Gardening: Ideas for a Dream Potting Room
Check out potting rooms that get indoor gardening right — and learn tips for creating your own
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARD6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food
It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGCitrus 101: Start Your Own Backyard Orchard
This Earth Day Weekend, Add Some Green, Style and Deliciousness to Your Landscape
Full StoryMOST POPULARHow to Start a Cool-Season Vegetable Garden
Late summer and late winter are good times to plan and plant cool-season crops like salad greens, spinach, beets, carrots and peas
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners
Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: A Family Makes a Fresh Start in a Remodeled Beach House
With neutral hues and ocean views, this Malibu home offers a stunning backdrop for gatherings of family and friends
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESSeeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started
Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant
Full StoryMore Discussions
Poochella