Dahlias are native to Mexico , but these stunning tropical works shine in the northern garden , too . A member of the aster family , dahlias bet a bit like zinnias , chrysanthemums and other aster - similar plants . They add up in a wide range of configuration , from small , single blooms to tremendous , so - called dinner party - plate dahlias , many of which are more than 10 inches across .
Dahlias can be purchased as tuber and establish in the fountain , or they can be started from seed indoors . This past season , I had good luck develop Dahlia pinnata from source . They were started indoors in March and planted outside in full sun and well - drained soil in May . They grew to about 3 feet tall and blossom copiously all summer .
Since they did so well , I decided to dig and divide the tubers — something I have not done before . We ’ve had several nights of hoar here and the dahlia leaf had all died back , which is the time to prod them up . Digging is relatively easy . Cut the plant down to about 6 inches on the main prow . Then , take a garden fork and loosen the soil around the plant , about 8 inch away from the stem . The soil here is rather dry , so I had no trouble loosening the soil and then tugging the stem with tubers seize out . It ’s a good idea to wash off the clump of Tuber to improve your power to see where the center are when you dissever the clump . You should also countenance the tubers dry out in an surface area that is above freeze for a few days . ( Mine are in the service department . ) If you desire to wait until spring to separate the Dahlia pinnata , you’re able to merely hive away the clump in a paper bag in an expanse that stays above freeze , but is not too affectionate .
The variety of bloom sizes and colors is one reason gardeners love dahlias.
To split up Dahlia pinnata Tuber , you need to search for eyes on each individual genus Tuber . Without an eye , it will not grow a flora next year . Some of my tubers do not have eyes . Once you find out a genus Tuber with eyes , you postulate to switch off the genus Tuber out from the master plant . Here ’s agreat videoon how the entire process ferment , including some selective information on where to depend for the eyes .
Divided tubers can be stack away in the same way as those that are not divided — have them dry , then enwrap them in paper and storehouse in a paper dish in a cool but not freeze out berth .
Does this seem like more study than you want to do ? MSHS sells dahlias and other bulbs for very reasonable price at theMinnesota Home and Patio Showand theMinneapolis Home and Garden Showevery springiness .
Grown from seed, this dahlia plant produced plenty of tubers.
For More Information
For more selective information on care of dahlias , break out ourplant profilefrom January .
And , for a fun deflection , savour these photos offrogs on dahliasposted on theMinnesota Dahlia Societyweb page .
The University of Minnesota Extension Service has aninformative articleon dahlias from its Yard and Garden website .
— Mary Lahr Schier
