Dahlias 2017

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by JWK, Feb 7, 2017.

  1. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    I've bought some new varieties this year from Jack Gott (saw him on GardenersWorld last year). So I have just received the new tubers and the instructions say to start them in at 50deg now, in trays half filled with compost. I thought it was a bit early but don't want to lose them so I have done so.

    Anyone else started theirs?
     
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    • Linz

      Linz Total Gardener

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      Ooh don't tempt me! I started them all in the kitchen last year, no-one was overly impressed with 12 or so pots lined up in there for a few weeks! I'm itching to start them off and try cuttings from the prettiest ones (hope I labelled them correctly!)

      Think I will start them in trays instead in a week or so, I do have some new tubers that seem on the dry side so will give them a spritz.

      There's a trial with dahlias from seed, seeing which ones are more attractive to bees. Will find the link now :)
       
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      • Linz

        Linz Total Gardener

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        • Freddy

          Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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          Too early yet I reckon?
           
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          • Freddy

            Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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            That said, what do you plan to do with them John? Take cuttings?
             
          • JWK

            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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            Yes I do want cuttings, so an earlier start is needed I understand.
             
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            • Freddy

              Freddy Miserable git, well known for it

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              Makes sense. I never got on with cuttings, but probably me doing something wrong. My usual method is division which works well for me. The biggest problem i find is when they really get going, having to put them in large containers until the risk of frost is gone. That said, I always allow for frost right up to the end of May.
               
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              • HarryS

                HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                Second half of March when I plant my Cactus Dahlia tubers. I plant them in plant pots in the GH , for planting out late May.
                May have a go at dividing tubers at planting time. Another skill I have not attempted.
                 
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                • "M"

                  "M" Total Gardener

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                  I bought a bag of mixed dahlias to try this year (from a cheap shop). On that label it says to plant between January and May :scratch:
                   
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                  • "M"

                    "M" Total Gardener

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                    As they were only from a cheap shop, I decided to experiment and planted them (in the ground!) yesterday in a sunny/hot spot. We shall wait and see if anything happens :heehee:
                     
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                    • JWK

                      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                      Mine are really coming on now in the greenhouse:
                      20170319-P3190042.jpg

                      ... and a few cuttings taken from them:
                      20170319-P3190041.jpg
                       
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                      • CanadianLori

                        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                        @JWK I really like the shape of the leaves.I've never grown any but have heard they are beautiful.
                         
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                        • HarryS

                          HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                          Have a go @CanadianLori ! Growing Dahlias from tubers is quite easy . I grow the tall cactus type of Dahlia , I will be potting them up in a week or so , in the GH . There is a huge variety , and generally the tubers are quite cheap . The late summer display is stunning if planted as a group :blue thumb:
                          How to plant and grow dahlia tubers
                           
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                          • JWK

                            JWK Gardener Staff Member

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                            Thanks @CanadianLori - as Harry says there is a big selection here and some very keen growers. I always grow a few as they are so easy from tubers. Whilst many people judge them on their flowers I also love the leaf shape and colour. I try and grow the really dark leaved varieties to compliment my tropical border.
                             
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                            • CanadianLori

                              CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                              Thank you @HarryS and @JWK I'll look out for tubers. My little flower gardens are such a mixed up medley that I'm not sure where I'd put them, but I always seem to find a space and I do have lots of containers too :)
                               
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