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Dahlia spring frost problems (not autumn frosts)

DahliaAddictDahliaAddict Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Hi,

As can be guessed from my username I have a bit of an issue with Dahlias. As soon as Christmas is done with I cannt help but think, how are my Dahlia bulbs.... invariably I end up growing some on in trays inside to "get ahead of the game", this for many is grounds for divorce if you see how many I set off, but my wonderful wife is very patent with me with this for some reason....

So this then leads to itching to put them out too early..... this is where the problem lies. Sometimes we are hit with a late frost or snow in May! Not enough to blacken the plant but takes the shine of the new swankey leaves.

I feel they are sitting there sulking for weeks now, so can anyone offer advice on do I cut them down and let them start again or do I just keep waiting? My niegbour says hers did not flower when it happened to her a couple of years ago.

I thank you in advance of any tips as does my ever suffering wife as it will stop me wmoaning about it.....

Thanks 😊

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    ...this then leads to itching to put them out too early.


    Don't. Wait to every threat has past. If you want to have them outside, fleece or bubblewrap them.

  • DahliaAddictDahliaAddict Posts: 6
    Hi fire,

    Problem is it is a horse and stable and bolted situ.... I thought it had but nope our great British weather caught me out.

    So it's what I do with the ones already caught out? To "cut or not to cut that is the question" as Shaky S would say.

    Thanks
    DA
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Could we see some pics?
  • DahliaAddictDahliaAddict Posts: 6

    Sorry, I was tuckered so was too dark to reply.

    Here they are with thier sad old looking leaves.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I would take the top off the bottom plant,you could use it to make another one. Where on earth did you grow your dahlias at Christmas,? I started mine in March,and a lot of people thought that was too early. 
  • DahliaAddictDahliaAddict Posts: 6
    Well.... I have many faults, but picking a wife is not one. She allows me to run them in trays on a large window sill and also on top of my fish tank. I can run them there till they are too big and I have to pot them on and put them in a warmish garage with a grow light. But as I say, I am pushing my luck as I may.... have bought too many.... I just cannt help it, there are so many beautiful ones.

    Yep, I could make more but I think that may add to my problems....
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    How many have you got,what varieties,yeah,I would keep the wife,haha. 
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Are you in the UK?
  • DahliaAddictDahliaAddict Posts: 6
    If I am honest.... I am not sure, labyrinth, cafe au last, mystic dreamer, mystic fantasy, mystic haze, mystic spriit, happy day yellow, happy days bicolour, great silence, grwnd prix, Pablo, canterino,  creme de cases, creme de cognac, American dawn, jescot Julie, karma fiesta, honka, fascination, crazy love, diablo mix, florinoor, dark butterfly, night butterfly, veronas obsidian, marble ball, bloody mary and about 30 or so more..... as I say I am a bit of a addict....
  • DahliaAddictDahliaAddict Posts: 6
    Yep, the high peak, derbyshire.
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