Dahlias

[clasher]

I have grown the most magnificent 3 Dahlias this year, 5 foot tall in the pot and the blooms are all 5 to 6 inches across, and they were not expensive at all. My question is, how do I guarantee keeping the corms safe for next year, as I have never had any success in the past, and I will probably never be as lucky in finding some as good next year, Thanks in anticipation

[Barmaid]

I've tried this with varying success - many have rotted and moulded.

I understand the thing to do is lift them at the first frost and ensure you remove all soil from the corms. Then hang them in a net bag in a dark cool place (an onion bag works well).

Having said that, if they are in pots, you may be as well to cover the pot in bubble wrap and stand it next to a south facing wall (less likely to get frosted) and just see what comes up next year. I left all my Bishop of Llandaff in last year and they are fine this year and that was in the borders!!

[Ice.Maiden]

I've no idea clasher - but well done. They sound beautiful!

[shylock73]

Google `Dahlia`s and scroll down to item 8 for all you need to know, HTH`s

[clasher]

Thank you all, appreciate that

[fenultimate]

I've been doing the following with complete success for some years.
1. Lift the tubers and wash off all the soil with hose. Discard any broken pieces. Label them well !!!
2. Dry the tubers in warm place (I use my conservatory)
3. Dust well with yellow sulphur powder, obtainable from decent garden shops, brushing it well into all crevices.
4. Store in dry dark place over winter.
5. Start into growth around late Feb (if you have dry greenhouse with warmth in cold areas) by placing tubers in 1" or so of moistened compost. Shoots will appear.
When shoots are 2 - 3 ins long cut close to tuber with sharp knife, dab into rooting compound and insert into 4" pots four at a time. Label again !!!
6. Pot on when large enough. Harden off and plant out when frost danger has gone.

You now have fresh new plants, which will faithfully take on the appearance of the parents. You have a choice of planting the old tubers out or discarding.

[clasher]

That's brilliant fenultimate, thank you. I've now got another colour opened, totally white, with at least two more blooms to come same colour, and five or six more others to come, colour unknown. Considering I bought the tubers from either the Pound shop, or Pound Stretcher, I am highly delighted to say the least. Regards clasher