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repotting dahlias

MillarificMillarific Posts: 28
in Problem solving
I over wintered my dahlias after removing them from pots last Autumn. The tubers were so big I had difficulty removing them from the pots. I tried to wash away the soil but did not do so completely. I stored the tubers in the pots wrapped in newspaper in my garage as I do not have a greenhouse and shed space is limited. I did not split the tubers as I felt it would be easier in the Spring. I have inspected the tubers, removed all last years dead roots and any damaged tubers. I cannot see any eyes or shoots to enable me to split the tubers easily. Some of the tubers are a bit spongy and are obviously a little dehydrated. They are so big, larger than a football, I would like to repot them but they are too big. I have in mind to place them in the pots where I can and cover with compost giving them a little water to plump the tubers up a little bit, should I try to remove the rest a last year's soil or just give them a soaking to try to remove the soil, I am concerned that if I do this they might start to rot. Another possibility is just to cut them in to or three hoping that each section will contain an eye. I could try to prise them apart gently without bruising or damaging the tubers.
I would really appreciate some advice on how best to proceed.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If they're spongy, it suggests they've rotted. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    It is still early for shoots to be showing. Give the clumps a few more weeks then split them into smaller pieces, removing any shrivelled or soggy pieces. Try not to damage any shoots and include a new shoot on each piece you replant.
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Cheap plastic buckets, with holes made in the bottom [ £1 from a DIY store ] are ideal for large Dahlia tubers.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not too early for shoots - depends on the variety and the conditions. I've got a new one which is a foot high, with loads of growth/stems, and have already taken a cutting from it which has been potted on. 
    I still have some florists' buckets, but they're not wide enough for large clumps. The builders' buckets would be ideal. I have lots of very similar sized pots that I'll be using as tubers grow.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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