Dahlias 2017

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

 

Register for the Blooms for Bees dahlia trial

 

Too early yet I reckon?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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
How to plant and grow dahlia tubers

 

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