What to do with a dalia after flowers bloom and leaves fall off
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I planted a dalia bulb in the spring and it has flowered already. Some of the leaves have fallen off, and there is no sign of any more flowers. Do I cut the plant down, I have never done this before and I'm a new gardener. Does the bulb remain in the pot over the winter? Thanking you in advance.
12 answers
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I also have done them this year and have never planted them before. I am thinking that since they are a bulb I am just leaving mine in the pot. I live in Florida but if you are in a colder climate and since they aren't in the ground, they might have to be taken inside until spring so they don't freeze. I am not really sure, it is all trail and error, I would hate to lose them , they have beautiful blooms
Sandy Henson
on Sep 07, 2014
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Thank you @Sandy Henson for your input.
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 07, 2014
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If you dig up your dahlia tubers to store them for the winter, ensure they have good airflow as if they grow mould on them, it won't do them any good at all. Maybe a mesh bag in a cool dark place that does not get damp is the way best way to store them. If they are anything like daffodils or tulips, you might want to wait for the leaves to die off first as they may need to store nutrients for next years flowering season? Perhaps @Douglas Hunt may know if this is the case? Any clues Douglas - I would also love to know!
Carole
on Sep 08, 2014
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Thank you @Carole
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 08, 2014
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I need step by step direction, new gardener, thanks everyone.
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 08, 2014
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Here are good tips from Cornell University. For dahlias, you should leave them in the ground/pot until after their has been a frost. Dahlias should be stored with soil around the tuber and not allowed to completely dry out. http://blogs.cornell.edu/monroe/files/2012/11/Overwintering-Summer-Bulbs-27gn0by.pdf
Douglas Hunt
on Sep 08, 2014
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@Douglas Hunt After there is a frost, then what do you do? bring them in the house or continue to leave them out. do I remove the top of the plant and continue to water, and for how long? Thank you so much for your help.
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 08, 2014
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Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 08, 2014
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@Douglas Hunt do I cut down the big middle stalk as well and leave a small piece showing? Thank you for your advice. It was very helpful.
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 09, 2014
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@Douglas Hunt Thank you
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 10, 2014
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@Douglas Hunt I am driving you crazy, but when you bring it indoors after the first frost, do you dig up the bulb or just bring in the entire pot, dirt and all?
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 10, 2014
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@Douglas Hunt Thank you again for your time and patience!
Helene Salowitz
on Sep 10, 2014
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