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Questions tagged [dahlias]

Genus of bushy, tuberous perennials; commonly grown for their flowers.

Dahlias (Genera Dahlia, a member of the Asteraceae Family) are a genus of bushy, tuberous, perennial plants native to Central America. There are at least 36 species, but hybrids are very popular as garden plants for they large, decorative flowers.

Dahlias prefer frost-free climates, but due to their tuberous nature they can survive periods of dormancy. Therefore gardeners that experience frosts can grow dahlias, if they lift the tubers to be stored in cool, frost-free conditions over winter. Planting the tubers deep (6in) can also provide some protection.

When actively growning, dahlias prefer well watered, free-draining soils with plenty of sunlight.

Use this tag for all questions about dahlias.

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How are dahlia tubers overwintered?

I grow several types of dahlias every year, and dig up the tubers in late Fall to keep them for next year. I cover them in potting compost and put them in the back corner of my basement which is dark, cool and dry. I use fresh compost every…
Niall C.
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Can dahlias be grown as perennials?

The wikipedia article on dahlia says that they are perennial plants. However, the dahlia section at my local garden center claims (in their little info booklets) that they are annuals. Upon further research, I found that: Generally, seed grown…
Lorem Ipsum
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How do I collect annual Dahlia seeds?

I have an annual Dahlia and I would like to save some seeds for next year. I've heard it is easy, but I don't know how to do it. Most of the flowers have dropped their petals. The plants are about 8" tall. What do the seeds look like and how do I…
J. Musser
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How many dahlia tubers can I plant in a pot 12 inch pot

I have bought Dahlia tubers from a big box hardware store. According to the packages there are 3 plants per package. Each package contained 1 clump that was about fist sized and two smaller clumps (size of the smaller clumps varied wildly). I…
Gilles
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How can I preserve and propagate a color sport in my dahlias?

I have several Hulin's Carnival dahlias in my garden, whose flowers are normally white with flecks or large patches of wine: This year, one of them has put out a stalk that has pink flowers instead of white, keeping the wine flecks: I would like…
Niall C.
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Why are my dahlia tubers squishy?

A few days after the first frost last week I cut off the leaves, most of the stem and dug up our dahlia tubers. While washing off the dirt they were hard like potatoes (with the occasional skewered one). I set them aside to dry in my garage…
silkroad
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Dahlia question

I'm asking for a friend who is puzzled. She purchased this dahlia five years ago. The first four year all the tips of the petels were uniformly white as she expected. She divided the tubers at the end of season last year. This year they have been…
Ben
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How to separate seeds from chaff (husk)?

I have harvested seeds from Zinnia elegans and Dahlia variabilis and I don't know how to easily separate the seeds from the chaff. I have put them in a bag and shaked it hoping that the seeds will fall at the bottom, but only a few did. What else…
Alina
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What flower is this with long numerous white and purple petals?

Can someone please help me to identify this lovely flower. Thank you
Bad.Grandpa
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Dahlia or a weed?

These came up along with my other dahlias this year and I don't know if they are a weed or not. I accidentally dug up a bunch of tubers thinking they were weeds a bit ago and now I'm a bit scared lol. Any help is greatly appreciated.
William Lerstad
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I don't know if it's a Dahlia plant?

About a month back I planted some dahlia and marigold seeds in a pot. It seemed unsuccessful till this sprout came up. However, I'm not sure if it's actually something I grew or worth keeping. Thoughts anyone?
Shaz
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Need help on shoot separation

Greeting friends, newbie to gardening here and currently growing dahlia I bought last month from local florist, bought with flower blooms for about 2 weeks and then wilt and I cut it, there’s also flower bud that turns dark Idk but I think it’s…
VR-4
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