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Dahlia Problems

MillarificMillarific Posts: 28
in Problem solving
I have had a wonderful display from dahlias overwintered, in pots, in a very sunny position. I have watered them well and fed every 14 days with tomato feed. I had masses of buds and flowers even during the very hot weather. Suddenly I still have masses of buds but no flowers it is as if the plants have gone on strike. The compost was very difficult to access as the plants are big but they are in large pots, where I could get access the compost appeared a little crusty. The light green leaves are showing slight tinges of yellow around the edges, one plant had some dead leaves in the middle.
I would like to know what is causing this, can you you over water dahlias I have always worked on the theory that dahlias love water and plenty of feeding, obviously something is wrong should I cut back on water or feed or both.?

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Hi,
    where abouts are you? I do find that dahlias can go in waves and can pause for a while, esp if there is a dip in direct sun or temps. Maybe back off feeding for a while. I don't personally think you can over water a dahlia in a pot, if the pot is draining fine and the earth isn't waterlogged. I would just cut off the brown and yellow leaves and keep a close eye.

    Can I ask - when you over wintered the tubers in a pot, did you cover the pot or you just left them open to the elements outside? I'm just interested.
  • MillarificMillarific Posts: 28
    Hi Thanks for that.
    On reflection my question was badly constructed I meant to say that I overwintered and then replanted in pots. I actually took them out of the containers and pots last year, removed and cleaned all the old compost and stored them in buckets in a frost proof shed, covered them with dry compost and newspaper.
    I then brought them out and replanted in new pots and compost this year.
    Thank you for your tips I will do as you suggest.
    many thanks
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