Dahlias

Overwintering Dahlias

Q. I live in Grand Rapids Michigan. I need to know the correct method for overwintering Dahlia's. I tried it; however I do not think that it worked. Thank you.

A. When the dahlias are through blooming and growing usually right around the first frost knock them down. Allow to dry in the garden. Then using a pitchfork not a solid shovel spade up the roots from all areas around the plant being certain not to slice into the tubers. Carefully lift the plant up and shake well. Lay it out on plastic and allow to dry or if the weather is poor do this inside a garage carport or basement. When totally dried cut off the foliage at the point where the stems touch the tubers. Discard.

Lay the tubers out clean of soil but not wet. Place into open trays placed apart and dry. A basement works best for me away from anyone or pets and allow to overwinter until the ground is loose enough to work outside.

Take the tubers shake them clean and break apart any ones that can be done easily. This is to increase your supply and put on a bigger show of flowers. Plant them in your beds 6" deep 2-3 feet apart depending upon the variety and how far they spread out. Water in well add slow-release fertilizer and keep evenly moist but not wet. Sprouts will appear in a couple weeks and then you are on your way!

Planting Dahlia Bulbs

Q. I received a gift of dahlia bulbs and would like to know how to plant them.

A. Dahlias along with glads have been my summer faves since I was a kid. They are very easy to grow.

Take the tubers out and separate them into sections meaning if they are grouped together pull them apart but do not cut them. It is possible you received only one tuber or set but I suspect a couple.

Dig an area in your garden that is very sunny. Turn the soil up and over often to a depth of one foot. Add compost or leaf mold to enrich. Replace 6" of the soil so that the bed is now 6" deep. Lay the tubers on their side one per hole.