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Dahlia advice please

PrivetPrivet Posts: 93
in Plants
My dahlia tubers are surviving well, but I notice that my friend’s tubers have one, very sturdy, stem, whereas mine have several spindly ones. Does it depend on the variety? Do I need to encourage one thick stem by sacrificing some of the others? I might add that my friend’s dahlias always seem better and stronger than mine. Thanks for any advice

Posts

  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    Where - and how - are you storing your dahlias?  Or are the in the ground?  I wouldn't expect to see any growth at just yet.  
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • PrivetPrivet Posts: 93
    didyw said:
    Where - and how - are you storing your dahlias?  Or are the in the ground?  I wouldn't expect to see any growth at just yet.  
    No, they are still resting in the greenhouse. The stems I’m talking about are last year’s. I’m just wondering whether I need to do anything once they start bursting into life (a long time to go yet!). Definitely no growth on them yet
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    The size of those faded stems reflects last year’s growth due to soil, aspect, weather and the type of dahlia, some are larger and more robust than others.  To encourage strong growth once they reach the stage to be planted outdoors, make sure you plant them in a sunny spot in well conditioned soil containing plenty of organic matter and keep them well watered.  Spacing is important to avoid too much competition and you could also use an organic fertiliser like blood fish and bone if your soil is lacking in nutrients.  Flowering can also be encouraged with tomato feed. 

    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PrivetPrivet Posts: 93
    Plantminded said:
    The size of those faded stems reflects last year’s growth due to soil, aspect, weather and the type of dahlia, some are larger and more robust than others.  To encourage strong growth once they reach the stage to be planted outdoors, make sure you plant them in a sunny spot in well conditioned soil containing plenty of organic matter and keep them well watered.  Spacing is important to avoid too much competition and you could also use an organic fertiliser like blood fish and bone if your soil is lacking in nutrients.  Flowering can also be encouraged with tomato feed. 

    Thanks very much. Great advice
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