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Dahlia Seedlings

PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
in Plants
I sowed some Dahlia seedlings a few weeks ago after watching GW. They are now a couple of inches tall, my question is, how do I look after them through the winter, I do not have a greenhouse but brought them on in my summerhouse.
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  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I’ve never sown them this time of the year, there’s a Monty Don article on this website but he’s showing Spring sowings.
    I suppose if you kept the indoors in a warm room you may overwinter them.
    i didn’t watch the programme.
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It's likely they'll need a lot of looking after if they're to have any chance of surviving the coming months until they're ready to go outside sometime in June next year.
    I'd imagine by that time they'd be rather sorry plants as the light levels are so poor for about the next 6 months

    You best bet is to sow again next spring - I sow mine in March and they're in flower in July
    Sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings on your first post, but welcome to the forum :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
    Thanks for your replies, I wonder why Monty suggested sowing now then, maybe I misunderstood. You can probably tell I am a novice gardener but keen to learn. 
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I do recall him sowing dahlia seed, but it was some time ago and def not in september. 
    They are half-hardy plants from places like Mexico, so will only survive in good light and warmth which isn't going to start happening again until next Spring.
    I sow and grow Bishop's Children and have a stunning display at the moment 

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Perhaps it was an old episode @PeatfreePete?
    As @Pete.8 says, spring sowing is the way to go.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
    So, do I throw these healthy looking young plants in the bin, or is there any chance they could survive the winter if I kept them warm with the maximum sunlight available in winter ? 
  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    Hi @PeatfreePete - you've got them to germinate and they look healthy so it would be a shame to bin them!  If it was me I'd try and keep them going and see what happens. Keep us posted!
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Hubby sowed the free seeds in late winter,they flowered,have huge tubers on them now. As you've already done them,you may as well try to keep them. If they carry on growing nicely,just use them as indoor plants over the winter. If they do get decent tubers over the winter. You may be able to dry them,pack them in bubble wrap and a cardboard box and overwinter I'm your summer house
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    By all means try to keep them going but I suspect you'd get much healthier plants sowing fresh next spring
    The problem in winter is that the sun is so weak the plants will probably stretch a lot and be unable to support themselves - but give it a go - there's nothing to lose
    Good luck!

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PeatfreePetePeatfreePete Posts: 17
    Thanks for the encouragement, yes, these are the first plants I have ever grown from seed , ok, I got the timing wrong but I’m determined to see if I can get them to survive. 
    I now have some serious negotiations to have regarding my plants and our conservatory ! 
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