Gardening Questions: Storing & separating Daliah tubers from clusters _ Reg

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vsastry Halifax (Canada) November 18, 2008 10:28 AM	How to store tuber clusters over the winter? When should we divide the tubers from cluster? Is it before storing in peat moss/ vermiculite or just before re planting in spring?
JuneyBug South Central Ozarks, MO (Zone 5b) November 18, 2008 11:04 AM	And can you answer too, when I checked mine after one week they were covered in white funges adn are back onto the garage floor now. What do I do these10 pound clusters..
midwest_tyro Mount Prospect, IL (Zone 5b) November 18, 2008 11:41 AM	If either of you are members there have been some really good threads on storing and dividing over on the Dahlia forum. If not let me know and I will try to get you the info from over there.
JuneyBug South Central Ozarks, MO (Zone 5b) November 18, 2008 12:39 PM	No, neither one of us is. I found this so far: roots because they have a thin skin that causes them to dry excessively unless protected. When digging dahlia roots take care not to damage the narrow neck between the crown of the plant and the ticker storage root. Allow the roots to dry for several days in a warm, dry location that is well-ventilated. Pack them in boxes filled with moistened peat moss or vermiculite and store them at a temperature close to 40 degrees F. A single dahlia plant often forms two or more healthy storage roots in one season of growth. Unless storage conditions are ideal it is best to wait until the following spring to divide these roots.
JuneyBug South Central Ozarks, MO (Zone 5b) November 18, 2008 12:44 PM	I dug mine this year after just heavily mulching them and leaving them in the garden for the last 5 or more years. Their bed is on a hill, so it has great drainage, winter and summer. The plants were getting TOO huge, so I decided to pull them up and give as may away as I could this winter. Now this white fungus is covering them and I don't know what to do. I've got them on the garage floor to keep them cool, dry, and with air circulation.
midwest_tyro Mount Prospect, IL (Zone 5b) November 18, 2008 2:49 PM	I posted a link to this thread over on the Dahlia forum asking them if they could come over and help.
Poochella Issaquah, WA (Zone 7a) November 18, 2008 8:44 PM	I'm sneaking over on the red alert that Midwest tyro left on the dahlia forum. A dahlia is a terrible thing to waste, so please either come on over to the forum- about the friendliest folks you'll care to find anywhere. They will be glad to chime in and answer even the most basic questions and give ideas on what's worked in dahlia care for us all over the country and world Don't be shy! This is a sad time of year as dahlias are either done and stored for winter or in the process, so we'd like nothing better than to cheer on some newcomers and talk 'dahlia' for the next few months of downtime. Two really good online dahlia info sources are [HYPERLINK@www.dahlias.net] Read it all, but especially "Care and Culture" Another I like, especially "the Learning Center" [HYPERLINK@www.midislanddahlia.com] Our own DG Dahlia "Sticky" thread of information. [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] Try a google search typing in 'storing dahlias' and read how many variations in methods there are: it'll make your head swim! The very best advice is to try a way or two of dividing (or not dividing,) putting in peat moss, vermiculite, shavings, sand, dirt, a brown paper bag etc and if it fails, try something else the next year. It's hard to account for temp and humidity in all our locations, but sharing what worked well is what it's all about. Above all: don't let them freeze in winter. about 40 degrees is perfect. Nanbernier, I bet you had a big clump to dig up after 5 years. Come on over and I'll post you some photos comparing 1,2-3, and 5 year dahlia clumps. You won't believe the difference. Healthier for the plant and flowers if you divide at least ever couple years, and easier to dig up! C'mon and bring your questions. Someone will answer for sure. Photos are really helpful for reference or general enjoyment! [HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] Poochella/Annie
Poochella Issaquah, WA (Zone 7a) November 19, 2008 11:43 AM	Here's another informative site, with photos. [HYPERLINK@www.gardenaction.co.uk]

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