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Have I made a mistake

Lilybeanz🌸Lilybeanz🌸 Posts: 66
in Plants
Hi all, I purchased a lot of lily bulbs and dahlias mid January online and have kept them in the box till now. I wasn’t really sure when to plant them all as I usually just buy lily bulbs from the shop and plant them straight away.

I have never purchased dahlia tubers before but I did manage to grow some from seed last year! 

On checking the dahlias the tubers have started to grow some light coloured shoots, should I cut these off and get them all planted ASAP? They will all be going into pots. 

Also the lily bulbs look very dry now so I’m not sure if they have all been ruined by my lack of knowledge or stupidity, is there any point in still trying to plant them or can anyone offer any advice on how to give everything the best start?

Thank you

Posts

  • Alan Clark2 in LiverpoolAlan Clark2 in Liverpool Posts: 2,190
    Plant the dahlias but leave the shoots alone - they are probably pale because of lack of light, but will recover. 

    The lily bulbs might benefit from soaking in water for 24 hours before you plant them. As you bought them this year it is unlikely that they are too dry, so I would certainly try planting them, there is nothing to lose..
  • Beaus MumBeaus Mum Posts: 3,554
    edited April 2018
    I would say it’s the right time of year to plant both in pots but not direct into the ground 😊 as Alan said don’t cut the shoots off. Plant into the ground once they are really growing and filling out 
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    Not sure where about in the country you are Kathmay, but if you do plant your dahlias in pots, put them somewhere warm and sheltered - a greenhouse would be grand if you have one. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653
    Agree.. somewhere frost free, a window sill if you do not have a GH 
  • Lilybeanz🌸Lilybeanz🌸 Posts: 66
    Hi, thank you all for the replies. 

    I am soaking the lily bulbs and will plant them and the dahlias tomorrow. 

    I am in the midlands but unfortunately i do not have a garage or greenhouse (I would love a greenhouse, maybe I could get a mini one). 

    I also may not have room for them all if I keep them inside so I would have to put some outside in a sheltered spot next to a wall and hope they will be ok, as some may have to go outside is there anything else I should do, maybe cover them at night? 

    Another question would be should i feed them? I have never feed any plants before so if this is something I should do any help on what I should use and how often would be appreciated. 

    Thank you 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Lilies like a good rich mixture to be planted in. In a pot use MPC plus added grit and a handful of fertiliser.
    Dahlias will not need feeding until they are in active growth, there will be enough feed in the compost, but again enrich the soil you are planting them into with something like fish, blood and bonemeal, or growmore fertiliser.
  • Lilybeanz🌸Lilybeanz🌸 Posts: 66
    Thank you
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