Dahlia tubers are often incorrectly referred to as dahlia bulbs and are even sold under this name in specialist shops. In reality, these are thickened roots and rhizomes from which shoots grow. What you should know about dahlia tubers.

Dahlia bulbs are planted neck up

This is how old dahlia tubers get

Dahlia tubers can grow up to six years old. Then the thickened roots die off.

During the summer, however, many more small tubers form, from which new dahlia shoots will grow. This ensures that fresh supplies are always available.

Plant dahlia bulbs properly

Dahlia tubers are not hardy and are only planted outdoors at the end of April. If you prefer the tubers indoors so that they bloom earlier, you may only plant out the georgines after the ice saints.

The planting hole should be deep enough so that the tubers have enough space in it. The georgines should not be planted too deep so that the shoots can grow to the surface more easily.

Dahlia tubers are planted with the root neck up.

Propagate dahlias by division

Georgines are easy to propagate by dividing. If you get the tubers out of winter quarters in spring, simply cut through large tubers. Make sure, however, that at least one eye remains on each section.

Propagating dahlia bulbs by cuttings

Dahlias are also very easy to propagate from cuttings. In large horticultural operations, propagation is basically done in this way.

To do this, the dahlia tubers are placed in a warm place from January. Then they drive out. As soon as the new shoots have formed four pairs of leaves, you can break them off and put them in fresh potting soil.

Dahlia tubers overwinter

Dahlia tubers do not tolerate frost. At the latest after the first frost, you should dig up the tubers and prepare them for the winter:

  • Stop fertilizing after August
  • cut off the herb
  • Leave tubers to dry for as long as possible
  • shake off earth
  • Store in a frost-free, dry place
  • Check regularly for damage

Do not cut the dahlias too short. The remaining shoots should be at least six centimeters long. If you cut off too much, you will injure the root neck. If the root collar has been damaged or removed, the dahlia will not sprout again.

The drier you bring the tubers to the winter quarters, the greater the chance that they will survive the winter well.

Keep warm in spring

Dahlia tubers begin to sprout when ambient temperatures rise above twelve degrees. In the winter quarters, the temperatures must not be so high.

From March you can prefer the tubers indoors. Do not plant early dahlias too early because the young shoots will freeze to death in a light frost.

tips and tricks

Dahlia tubers are not only appreciated by voles. Even large birds like crows appreciate the non-toxic tubers. After planting, protect the georgines with netting if you have a lot of crows and magpies.

Category:

Vegetable garden