Late planted dahlias

coledahlia

I planted some dahlias in August in Eastern WA and now what do I do?😙 Should I dig them up just like you normally would do or should I pot them or something else?

blown_dry

I've always heard minimum 120 days in the ground. So, wait to dig until then and then store as you normally would.

coledahlia

But they've already been frozen for a few weeks. Would you still let them in the ground for 120 days even if they're not still growing?

Teddahlia

Dig them before the ground freezes and you cannot get the shovel through the frozen ground. If a clump has only very small tubers, I cut the clump into two or thee sections making sure each section has some eyes and store them like tubers.

coledahlia

Ok, that's kinda what I was thinking. Hopefully, they store okay. Thank you for your help.

Teddahlia

They store as well as tubers and we do this with many first year seedlings and 97% make it. In fact, they may keep better than tubers. Hint: do not leave much stalk material on the divisions. Stalk is "designed" to rot away and rot and tubers is not good.

coledahlia

Ok. Good to know.👍 And I'll try to keep stalk off the tubers. Do you usually wash the tubers or dip them in anything? I had used bleach water previously, and I didn't have any rot, but I might not have anyway without bleach water.

Teddahlia

Do you usually wash the tubers or dip them in anything? I had used bleach water previously, and I didn't have any rot, but I might not have anyway without bleach water. No, Bleach is caustic and allows infection to penetrate the tubers. Opposite of your intentions. Just wash them but not overly thoroughly as excess washing causes tuber damage.

coledahlia

Thanks! I wouldn't have known that! I will follow your suggestions.😄