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Is it too late to plant Dahlias?

I mean bulbs.

infernactual asked in Flowers about 1 year ago | Report

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  • Shot_1298932179940_small
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    Juicy

    Hello!

    Dahlia bulbs (they're actually called tubers) like warm soil temperatures. The are should be well draining. They are native to Central America and Mexico. Given that bit of info, it is actually too early to plant them. I usually plant my tubers in mid April, even though air temps may be above 60 degrees. My soil is clay and takes a while to warm up in spring. A tuber sitting in wet spring soil will be more likely to rot in the ground or just have a very weak start.
    But sometimes you have to plant earlier, or it's just too tempting not to put them in the ground.
    One trick to warm up the soil faster is putting clear plastic or a tarp over the area a week or two before planting. This will dry the area out, and also warm the soil up a bit. Remove the covering before planting.

    Another trick is mounding the area- an area of soil that is raised above the rest of the garden, what we call a raised bed. This has some great advantages- warmer soil earlier in the season, easier to upkeep and weed, and it looks nice...

    Here's a good rule of thumb that will help guide you with dahlias: Dahlias and tomatoes need similar conditions to do their best.

    Good luck with your tubers!!!!~ Juicy

    Juicy answered in Flowers about 1 year ago | Report
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    Master Gardener Andrea

    Your tubers (dahlias, gladiolas, crocosmia, and cannas) can go directly into the ground in the spring when the ground has warmed and there is little chance of frost. (Note: the average last frost date in Seattle is March 22 and April 15th is considered safe to plant.)
    If you live in an area that is colder, plant later and keep covers available to protect emerging shoots in the event of sudden freeze. To be safe, many NW gardeners wait until mid-May to plant dahlias (and tomatoes). Dahlias can be planted as late as mid-June in most parts of the country. Dahlias require a site with good drainage and partial to full sun. Protect the tender shoots from slugs. And, don't forget to dig up your tubers in October before you put your garden to bed. Some gardeners have successfully "wintered-over" dahlia tubers in the ground, but you may end up with a dead tuber next spring.

    Check out the Master Gardener Bellevue Demonstration Garden this summer to see over 48 Dahlia varieties grown at the garden plus edibles, herbs, cacti, grasses, etc. Also, a Dahlia seminar will be held October 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon. The garden is located on SE 16 Street between 148th Ave SE and 156th AVE SE, just west of 156th. Master Gardeners are on site every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm, April-October and love to answer gardening questions and talk about the garden. http://www.mgfkc.org/resources/demonstration-gardens/bellevue-demonstration-garden

    Master Gardener Andrea answered in Flowers about 1 year ago | Report
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