Planting out dahilas

[Nigella]

Anyone planted them out yet .... when should I do mine (I line in the south east)   ::)  ;D

[Nigella]

[Jane the Novice]

Don't know too much about these sort of things I go very much on trial and error. However I had 4 Dahlias last year. I left 3 of them in the ground over winter and dug up one lot and kept them dry. I re-planted those which had been dry about a month ago. I am pleased to report that all 4 are doing really well. I am in Essex.

[Val]

I leave mine out, also the south east, they come back stonger than ever.There is a frost forecast for this week, I don't know if it was our area or not, but I'd look at the forecast, If they've got foliage on and not just the tubers I'd hang on, if its tubers go for it and mulch well.

[Deeds]

I leave mine in the ground too, even here in the wet South West they survive and come back bigger and better.

[Mrs Ava]

Mine were grown from seed earlier in the spring, and have been out in the garden for about a month now.  They are big and strong already.  Mind you, I am in Essex and my garden is quite sheltered!

[sandersj89]

I have grown Pompom and Cactus Dhalias from seed this year. They are still in the cold frame in pots or trays. Most are about 3 to 4 inches tall.

They will stay in the cold frame, open in the day, until the end of the month I expect. Although in Sussex we are in a bit of a frist pocket and dahlias do not like frost. I lost a tray a month or so ago when they got frosted inside the cold frame on a very cold night.

Jerry

[Nigella]

Great stuff - thats tonight sorted with a job ! 

Do I need to feed them over the summer ?

[philcooper]

Dahlias are gross feeders. put as much muck/compost in as you can when planting and then they will like lots of water (they originate in a very wet part of Mexico) and food (because of the hybridisation since they were brought from Mexico)

They are frost tender, so it you are planting out tonight, keep an eye out for frosts and cover with fleece if there is frost forecast

Phil

[Mrs Ava]

TYPICAL!!!  Metcheck.com reakons a slight chance of a frost in Essex tonite!!!  Sacre-bleu!! >:(

[Deeds]

I have dahlias, hedychiums and cannas which stay in the ground all year, no mulch, nothing, and we had a few frosts this year and snow, well it lasted  for 3 hours, and all of them are doing fine.

I think they are a little tougher than given credit for, the new growth may be affected by frost though.