what do frozen dahlia tips look like?

19 years ago

I started some dahlias in pots, for the first time. I only ever grew one before, in the ground, with good results. But I know so little about them.

I noticed shoots peeking up from several of the pots last Monday. The weather has been quite hot or quite cool, very inconsistent and odd overall. Then we had some near freezing weather last week. Close enough to 0 degrees C (32 F) that it probably did actually freeze in a few places on 2 mornings. That was 4 days ago. Today, I was looking at a pot and noticed that one shoot is very dark, nearly black at the tip, and looks awful. I dug down around it and the part that's underground is still nice and turgid. Does it sound like it was nipped by frost or is it some type of horrible plague because I watered too much or something? What should I do?

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Comments (6)

plantlady2
19 years ago
Sounds like frost damage to me. It should be OK. Try to keep it from frosting by giving it lots of protection at night until your weather settles down.
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Poochella
19 years ago
Horrible plague LOL I have that on my peonies! Although that is no laughing matter for either plant.

Sounds like frost indeed and the "turning black" is what indicates your plants have been frosted (usually in the Fall and it's then time to dig up or cover for Winter.)

Can you put a stake in the pot without hurting the plant, then toss a towel, sheet or burlap over it to act as a little insulator? Or even easier: can you haul it into a garage or porch on expected frosty nights?
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scamp
19 years ago
They were definitely hit by frost. I brought in my dahlias on those nights last week and this week but forgot one out last week. Sure enough ...black tops from frost. However I have covered it with a large plastic baggie (not sealed), put it in a bright indirect ligh spot and it seems to be coming right now. I would try that.
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cnid
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for the ideas and reassurance. It's still coolish here but the shoot is growing despite the nip. It was cold again, but the pots are big and I was too lazy to bring them in. I covered them with burlap layers a couple nights and things seem to be doing well. I can't wait to see what I get from them. I got these dahlias for such great prices and they were such big, healthy looking tubers (tubers?).

cnid
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cnid
Original Author
18 years ago
Well although it's not consistently warm or sunny yet, it has warmed up and my dahlias are coming along in their pots. The one I was worried about has recovered nicely. I can't wait to see what happens when we get some proper heat (whoosh! growth!), and to see them bloom! Thanks for the reassurance earlier.

cnid
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Poochella
18 years ago
Glad it pulled through for you Cnid.
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what do frozen dahlia tips look like?

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what do frozen dahlia tips look like?

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