Dahlias may still be out of fashion in many gardening circles but I am an affectionado and think they are well worth growing.

I have just started off last years tubers in big plant pots that I will plant out lock stock and barrel (literally in some cases) when the spring flowers have gone along with any danger of frost.

I left some tubers in the ground last autumn but after this winter I am not hopeful. It is damp rather than cold that does the damage so you never know.

If I was keen and earlier (around February) then I could have forced the tubers then taken cuttings and grown them on. Still last years tubers divided easily this week and I could see the eyes or young shoots.

It seemed a waste to compost some of the tubers that had no stalk to them but they would never grow so off to the bin with them.

I have been a bit precious about growing annual dahlias but some seed mixes provide great results. If it is quick late colour you want give the annuals a try.

Thompson & Morgan supply seeds and tubers.

Note
Dark leaved Bishop’s children Dahlias are looking very good as Autumn comes to an end. Children will be surprised the leaves are not green and the flowers remain so colourful read more