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NEPA roller46@hotmail.com KB3QKV

Wifey has seen the large dalhias and would like to grow them for next year. We have a few questions. Are they bulbs? Where can we get these bulbs? We did not see any of them in any local garden centers. What type of soil do they require? Any web sites to read up on them so we have an idea of what we will be planting? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jerry

9/3/2007 8:07:44 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

The bulbs are really tubers but yeah...
Grow them in loose deep soil like we strive for pumpkins.

It's a lot like growing AGs. Start early, cull to one flower, remove all stresses, water, feed, etc.

At Ag Fairs where Dahlias are entered your wife should find the growers & ask about for a club. However unlikely a Dahlia club might meet locally, there could be a general garden club that has competitive Dahlia growers.

9/3/2007 8:16:09 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

someone on here grows them enter dahlia in the search box..huge dinnerplate ones

9/3/2007 9:58:54 PM

New Hampshire, USA

You want to get dinner plate dahlias, they come in tubers, I have two sets of tubers this year and have as many as 48 blooms. I purchased my dinnerplate dahlias about 2 years ago at amazon.com. If you like to see some pictures I can email some to you. Jim

9/3/2007 11:17:58 PM

NEPA roller46@hotmail.com KB3QKV

Thanks for the info Steve, Shannon and 1234567890. When is the best time to buy the tubers, in the fall or the spring? How do we keep the critters away? Thanks again guys. Jerry

9/4/2007 8:27:59 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Spring or fall. Store them in a cool dry place. If critters are a problem, place them inside a secure trap or small animal cage.

9/4/2007 8:50:07 AM

New Hampshire, USA

You can buy them now but you will need to store them in cool dark place, and then plant in the spring when the soil gets to about 50 degrees F. You may want to get a Japanese beetle trap because they like to eat the petals. Jim

9/4/2007 9:05:56 AM

NEPA roller46@hotmail.com KB3QKV

Yes animals were a problem in the garden this year. We had animals here, deer, woodchuck, and raccoon in my yard that I have never seen here before in @ 50 yrs I am here. The only thing that I did not see them rooting around in was the broccoli(yuck) and the habaneros. I will not purchase the dahlias until spring. I will get a japanese beetle trap. Thanks again for all the help everyone.

9/4/2007 10:37:25 PM