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Dahlia tubers

michael jumpmichael jump Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I have several old dahlias which, because of the size of the tuber "cluster" are becoming increasingly difficult to store. Can I reduce the number of individual tubers without damaging the plant's flowering potential?
Many thanks

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    You can split them into 2 or even 3 parts to make new clumps. Sometimes if you  give them a bit of a wiggle, you can find the place where they will separate easily. Even individual bits will grow, providing they have a bit of stem with a bud at the base of it, but they will take a year or two before they are big enough to make an impression.
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    edited October 2020
    Yes you can divided the tubers , the tuber must have eyes around the top of the tuber they look like little bumps or easier if it has stems attached . Probably best to divided in spring but if needs most have a go now. Use your hand to try and wriggle them apart easier said than done.  Don't remove any tubers if you can help it they are the storage vessel for next year growth
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    When splitting tubers, do you generally leave the new exposed flesh to callous over before storing in a medium?
  • michael jumpmichael jump Posts: 2
    To be honest I've never done it before: just lifted, dried and stored them but they are getting too big now - started in pots, builders' buckets the last couple of years and if I don't trim this year it'll be wheelie bins!!
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    With big ones, as I dig them up and knock the soil off, I find they will often fall into two or three quite easily.
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