My Dahlias have been flowering early and successfully since the beginning of July. The white cactus plants are the most forward with the collarettes just starting.
I no longer leave the plants in the ground over winter as I have lost too many tubers to rot in the wet conditions we get in Yorkshire.
I store tubers in old pillowcases in the garage. Plastic bags would cause fungus and rot.
I divide up the tubers in early spring. Some are easy to divide thus increasing stock. Other clumps of tubers need cutting into pieces all with a neck left on from last year. New growth comes from the neck not the tuber itself.
I start off the tubers in plant pots but I am too lazy to take cuttings which I am told would make stronger plants.
Dahlia Cut Flowers
There are as many cut flower tips as there are dahlia species. Dahlia are meant to be long lasting in a vase.
Keep your cut dahlias out of the sun and out of the heat.
Pick early in the day as with most cut flower.
Choose blooms that have started to unfurl – neither tight buds nor fully open.
Place the Dahlia stems in hot tap water then allow them to cool for an hour.
Use fresh water when arranging then change it every couple of days.
Remove any foliage from the stems to avoid it decaying in the water.
Garden tips
Cut back to encourage more stems and deadhead to encourage more blooms
