Dahlia newbie

15 years ago

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

Jenny P

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Poochella
15 years ago
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.
jennypat Zone 3b NW MN
Original Author
15 years ago
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
Jenny P
Related Discussions
Western Washington Dahlia Newbie - Tips
Q
Comments (3)
You can start them early in pots or flats if you like. Plant out when the soil is 60* & they'll take right off. If you plant when the soil is too cold they'll just sit there & if it gets too wet, they'll rot. (wet?? In W. WA???>:) You're taking chances by not digging in the fall but you could try mulching really deeply- if you have some nice favorites you should dig them just to be sure they don't get frozen over the winter.
...See More
Dahlia Newbie...I need help Please
Q
Comments (5)
Judy, I live in Aiken county, SC and I had a beautiful Dahlia garden last summer in Pennsylvania. I will be planting my tubers in the ground and severely ammending the soil to do it, so you will have an easier job using raised beds. I would have 2 foot raised beds.(my choice) They love loom. Rich, well composted soil (top soil and manure) just not too much manure, more top soil. Buy 3-4 foot planting sticks B4 you plant the tubers. (bamboo sticks work well) When you plant the tubers eye up, put a small amount of bone meal in with the tuber. Then cover with soil mixed with composted manure and lightly mulch. Place the stick right in back of the tuber at this point. That way when they grow up and start to get heavy, you can gently tie them with string or knee highs to keep them upright. I bought a soaker hose for my Dahlias because they develop rot real easy when watered from above. Most Dahlias can take hot temps, just not alot of rain, or they start to rot. In the middle of the summer, clean them out, you will see their bottom leaves and some leaves on the inside of them rot, just pinch them off and remove this, which will allow air to move around them more. Then they will bloom yet again. Good luck to you with your new dahlias, they are addicting. Please post a pic after your dalias start to bloom.
...See More
I'm a Dahlia newbie
Q
Comments (1)
What kind of dahlias are they? If they're large plants intending on going on to be 3-5' tall then you'd be better off putting them in a large multigallon pot or in the garden with some support. If they are short bedding dahlias, a slightly larger pot or container with other plants should work.
...See More
Dahlia newbie , now what do I do
Q
Comments (1)
This is my first time wintering them, too! I am following the advice of this forum.I researched a bit and it seemed the easiest, with best results.(Hope I attached the link to the forum entry correctly!) Here is a link that might be useful: Dahlia advice-saran wrap method
...See More
sturgeonguy
15 years ago
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,
Russ

Dahlia newbie

Comments (3)

Poochella

jennypat Zone 3b NW MN
Original Author

Related Discussions

sturgeonguy

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Dahlia newbie

Comments (3)

Poochella

jennypat Zone 3b NW MNOriginal Author

Related Discussions

sturgeonguy

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

jennypat Zone 3b NW MN
Original Author