What am I doing wrong? Dahlia advice needed please!

Just like to add, it is possible to buy Dahlia tubers where the old stem has actually died, so they can even root but if that neck is dead, nothing will happen.

Having said that it's not usual, and this late in the season I'd plant the tubers straight outside an inch or so below the surface.

 

Ah, I didn't realise that, thanks! I really do wonder if that's the case with the tubers I have? Honestly, the stem looks totally dead, but looking at the tubers today there are some roots growing out from the tubers. How would I know if the stem has any chance of life? How long is it normally from the time of planting until you might expect to see signs of growth please? I'd say I potted the last two tubers at least 4/5 weeks ago so assumed I'd see something by now...

 

Hi BNG, the tuber should have what's called an eye at the top by the old stalk, they sprout from there.
Even a tuber without eyes/sprouted bits can send out roots and look as if goes to do something but it won't flower with out an eye.

When I buy a bag of tubers I try to go for the plumper ones, if some have fallen off in the bag I plant them up in tray of compost too just in case they have eyes I didn't notice.

They should be doing something by now if they're in pots but saying that I forgot about tubers in the shed and only potted them up a few weeks ago, most already had shoots on them and are about an inch or 2 above soil.. the ones in the ground are only just waking up but I put that down to Welsh weather and soil.

Oh check for slugs too. They love em.

 

If I remember correctly mine didn't come up the first year i planted them, I cant remember what month it was maybe July/August when planted.

 

Quick get to Home Bargains £1.29

 

Haha, bargain @martin-f I bought some similar ones from a nursery a couple of week ago and they're doing great!

I'm really lucky that I don't really have a problem with slugs. We have a pond in the back garden so the frogs good care of my plants for me.


Ok, so these are the last of what's left of the tubers. It all fell apart the moment I took it out of the pot ...

 

Blimey where did you get those from? talk about pathetically small.I'd be inclined to take them back from whence they came and ask for my money back.

 

They were bigger... half of the tubers fell off! They did look healthier when bought them, this is just how all of them have ended up after coming to live with me! Poor dahlias!

 

One lot came from Wyevale, two from local nurseries and another from Aldi of all places!

 

They should be showing signs of growth now.

You can see the old stem from last year, shoots should appear from the shoulder at the base of that stem.
The stem itself will look totally dead, and it will be totally dead.

 

The ones I bought today from Home Bargains are nice healthy plants, I will get a few more tomorrow if there's any left.