[casper]

I sowed some Dahlia a couple of weeks ago, Can anybody tell me if I need to pot with part compost part sand. I have read a couple of bits that state you do. What would happen if I didnt?? 

[mumofstig]

I pot on into multipurpose compost with no problem 

[casper]

Oh thank you thats an answer I like, save me a trip to the shops

[lazydog]

please forgive me for highjacking the post but,last week I was given a large clump of pompom dahlia at least a foot across with lots of tubers.The gent who gave it me said dont split it just plant it as it is,but I thought that was how you got more plants.at the moment I have just put i the clump in some compost in the unheated greenhouse,he had them planted outside and said they where semi hardy.Please advise

[mattwragg94]

dont split the dahlia tuber - you get more dahlia plants from taking cuttings from the plant - which will make tubers!

[sunshineband]

Yes they are not hardy, so don't plant them out untill all danger of frost is past.

I put my saved tubers from last year in damp compost this morning  (In the greenhouse)

[spottymint]

Hi

There is a way to split the crown (where tubers meet at the top), but each bit must have a growing section/shoot.

Not sure if this link helps.

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/garden_diary/garden_mini_project_september_1a_dahlia_overwinter.asp

It's safer in my opinion to take cuttings like mattwragg94 has surgested.

Never pull the potato like bits off the roots (chances are they won't grow) as they must have a shoot/eye to sprout & grow.

Any split tubers like stored one's must be treated/checked for rot/mould ect.

[jrko]

You can take stem cutting from large Dahlia clumps and the plant will still flower (as long as you leave some growth of course)

Carol Klien's 'Grow your own garden' (£5 in WHSmiths) says 'when the shoots are a handspan tall and strong, slide a knife between the shoot and tuber, taking care not to damage the tuber.  Push the cuttings around the rim of a pot containing a free draining substantial mix and then add grit to the surface.  Water and wait for roots to pop thru the bottom hole of the pot, then repot individually.

[mattwragg94]

yes i tried last year with only one cutting from a dahlia tuber and it rooted very quick!

[richrua]

I had no luck at all with dahlia  cuttings las year. Took a few, followed all the advice, none took.

[casper]

Hi, Can anybody tell me if Dahlia grow slow after germination. I have some in pots after germination. They look a bit different to each other, so I wonder if they are growing correctly, some have kids 4 leaves and some have two leaves in a kinda v shape. Although they all look odd they appear nice and green.