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Dahlia

The_Lazy_GardenerThe_Lazy_Gardener Posts: 165
in Problem solving
Hi, the leaves on my dahlia look a bit strange.
What do you think it is? 

Thanks 

Fred 

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It looks a bit like Dahlia Mosaic Virus Fred.
    It's not something mine have had, so not sure how to treat.
    Hopefully someone will be able to help.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • 2 point 42 point 4 Posts: 60
    @Fred Mead - as @Pete.8 says, your dahlia has got a virus.  The only treatment is to pull the whole lot up and put it in the council waste.  Do not put it in your own compost bin.  The virus is very spreadable through aphids, black fly, etc. so don’t delay if you have other dahlias in your garden.  If you have taken cuttings from it, they too will need destroying.  Unfortunately, some of the tubers now available for sale come with it, so it’s not neglect on your part.
  • The_Lazy_GardenerThe_Lazy_Gardener Posts: 165
    Ok thank you....  😥
  • The_Lazy_GardenerThe_Lazy_Gardener Posts: 165
    I read it might not spread to a different type of Dahlia... 
  • 2 point 42 point 4 Posts: 60
    @Fred Mead - correct, it might not spread at all but only if you can control the insects in your garden and meticulously clean your secateurs/hands between dahlia plants when dead-heading, dis-budding, etc.

    There are a few dahlias which may not exhibit virus symptoms so could look ‘healthy’ but are actually quietly infecting your dahlia collection.  There is an even smaller number that appear to be virus resistant but which are generally only used for research, experimental purposes in order to develop a virus resistant dahlia.  There is a fair chance therefore that to keep it may result in it spreading.  There is nothing you can do to make it virus-free.  If you keep and over-winter your dahlia tubers, it is likely to be well into next Spring before you see a problem.

    It is the transference of sap that causes the virus to spread so that is where the risk lies.  Only you can know what your risk tolerance is and I know it must be annoying especially since it is so close to coming into flower.
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