Dahlias

I know but best in the long run. If you like this variety of Dahlia then take cuttings next Spring from the remaining corms which are ok. Dead easy to do and FREE!

 

Hi good question

I use Chempack NO 2 until end of June middle of July depending on the weather its high in nitrogen and then go over to Chempack NO 4 high in potash or Tomato food if you cant get hold of any , I am not telling any more of my secrets but soil prep in the autumn is best , I have found the colours more deep and last so much longer

Whats everyone else using ??

Spruce

 

well its not gone is it .... throw it away Jack , not worth the risk of them all getting it

 

Definitely now in the bin!


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I know its hard to do ...

 

Agree again with Spruce, (we'd better watch out or we might get spoken about!) IMHO you are much better to get the soil in really good nick some months before planting than adding liquid feed during the growing season.
Do you have horses nearby? If so get yourself some bags of manure and liberally apply to your Dahlia area in the Autumn. Normally horse owners would almost pay YOU to get rid of horse by product! You can lay it on top and dig in later if the manure isn't that well rotted. Even if not that broken down, if it's applied in Autumn it will be fine by the following mid May ish when planting out. I apply at least a ft to the Dahlia beds and don't feed at all to be honest . Mine grow huge enough and I don't really have the time to feed all of them with some many other things that do need feeding.

 

Thanks for the tips on feeding. Luckily I manured my main bed in Autumn last year. Though not quite to 1ft!

I was wondering, has anyone had much luck with growing medium or large dahlias in pots? Many people have advised against it because of the watering, though have said it is possible. I don't have much choice and have about 5 growing in 14 - 15" large pots, terracotta but lined with compost bags to help with water retention.

 

Hi Jack

you can grow in pots but dont keep the compost soaking wet it will rot the roots , you wont get as many flowers as growing in the open border but hey at least you have some ...

What compost are you using

 

I went with two types of multipurpose :-/ I think next year I'll switch to a more John Innes base to leave them overwinter (we have a very protected, mild garden)

 

Jack
that will dry out quickly , next time do a 70 % John ins no 3 and the rest MP , you will have to feed twice a week as well on that mix to get good results

Turn the pots on the side over winter keeps them more dry.

 

Thanks for all your advice Spruce. You are my Dahlia hero right now! :D they're the main plant I want to get right so really appreciate it


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DH

 

Buy the Chempacks 2 & 4 that will sort you out , they are greedy and thirsty plants once they get going

 

Hi guys,

All the dahlias are growing, some a little slower than the others and all are nice and bushy other than this one. ... should I take off the top area including all the buds in the hope it bushes up more?




Thanks
Sam

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thats early flower buds , have you fresh buds at the base ? that will sprout out if you cut that HARD back ?

I would cut it right back if me

Spruce