Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: Elaine G on April 20, 2017, 14:56

Title: Dahlias
Post by: Elaine G on April 20, 2017, 14:56
My dahlia tubers are growing well, with roots coming out of the bottom of the pots. OK, probably planted too soon but they were cheap in Wilkinsons and already sprouting.

So I have been putting them outside in the day, in preparation for planting out. Can anyone tell me what sort of minimum nightime temperature they will tolerate. I do appreciate that this week is too cold!

I wouldn't be in a hurry normally, but I am having an op on my foot on May 9th (so bad timing  :lol:) greenhouse is full and hubby has NO clue about anything horticultural, bless him!

Thanks
Elaine
Title: Re: Dahlias
Post by: mumofstig on April 20, 2017, 15:17
This is what the national Dahlia Society says..
Quote
Planting out should not be attempted until all risk of frost is over.  This will be late May in the south of the country, but in the north, mid June might be best.  Plants should be well hardened off before planting, although tubers can be planted in mid April, but precautions must be taken to protect emerging shoots from frost. by earthing up or covering with newspaper overnight.  Some growers start the tubers in a greenhouse or cold frame,
http://www.dahlia-nds.co.uk/about_dahlias/Dahlia_Cultivation.htm
Title: Re: Dahlias
Post by: Elaine G on April 20, 2017, 23:00
Thank you mum. I thought that would be the case.

So if I want to plant at the beginning of May they will have to be covered with something to keep the frost off.
I can see a bit of construction is necessary :)

Elaine
Title: Re: Dahlias
Post by: muckyboots on April 27, 2017, 10:57
Hi Elaine, I had to plant some outside before i was ready to, due to overcrowding.I pegged a plastic sheet above to keep frost off on some canes, we have had some hard frost in the last few days but they look ok .So plant out with protection and you should be ok .Cheers, get well soon.
Title: Re: Dahlias
Post by: Paul Plots on April 27, 2017, 13:31
I have several that remain in the ground over-winter every year. The temperature determines when they decide to come to life and stick their beaks up above ground level.

Problem is yours have become accustomed to the warmth and are raring to go.

Depending how much top / new growth they have you could try this (especially as they were not too expensive to risk):

Dig a hole in the spot you want them to grow on in, plonk compost and a feed (chicken pellet manure) in the bottom, put the dahlia in and fill in with garden soil so as much of the new growth is covered (maybe a bit deeper than usual).

Now cover with old hessian potato sacks or newspaper but add a sprinkling of slug bait first! Top this with more compost, light garden soil or grass mowings.

Sounds mad? Maybe but it will slow down the tubers growth, give them room for their roots and shoots to develop and protect them. Slugs / snails will be a problem unless "taken care of".

When the temperatures lift the plants should get going again - you can then gently remove the hessian cover (if you decide to use it).


Some of my dahlias have been under a layer of turf until recently. They are beginning to show signs of life so I have earthed one or two up as you would do with potatoes and they will sit their for a few weeks before making an appearance again.

Wishing you luck with your dahlias and (more importantly) best of luck with your op.