This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Dahlias
Guernsey Donkey2
Posts: 6,713
in Talkback
I planted my new dahlias yesterday - following the instructions on the packets - plant 6 inches deep. I have just read a Gardener's World message that says that Dahlias should be planted to that the stork/stem part is showing - so which is right? The stems on my Dahlia tubers were probably about 2 inches tall at most, which means that the tubers would have only been 3 inches at most deep under the peat.
0
Posts
I pot them up when they start shooting. I have the tubers covered, but the stem and shoot bit sticking above the compost.
Conflicting advise - have you grown them before fidgetbones? It isn't too late for me to move them - I don't think the tubers will have started into growth yet - they were completely dormant when I planted them yesterday.
Dahlia tubers which have been stored in dry compost should be now watered (don't drown them.) When they show signs of sprouting plant them in a largish hole with some fresh compost and granular feed, with the top of the tubers 3 inches below the surface. Shop bought dormant tubers should be planted in April (May in northern districts.)
It is interesting how many different ways of doing things there are.
I plant my tubers 4 - 6 inches deep, covering everything, and this has worked fine for me, over many years.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
Yes, you are right punkdoc - there is conflicting suggestions here - and I was going to dig the tubers out today and replant closer to the surface so that the stem showed above the surface of the compost - but I completely forgot and now you and Mel M have put my mind at rest. I will let you know or post a picture when they are in flower (if I remember)